War of 1812 Bicentennial celebration set

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The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the War of 1812 is working to spread the word about the upcoming celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. The community is encouraged to participate.

On Monday, June 18, at noon, people are encouraged to “Ring the Bells for 1812” across the land to ring in the start of the War of 1812 Bicentennial. Schools and churches are urged to take part in the celebration by ringing their bells at that designated hour.

Following closely on the heels of the American Revolution, the War of 1812 helped cement American independence, and firmly reinforced to European nations a clear concept of American identity … that of a people willing to fight for their freedom against overwhelming odds, and win.

It was during this war that the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” later to become our national anthem, were written by Francis Scott Key; Andrew Jackson led a coalition of American fighters to victory against superior odds at the Battle of New Orleans; and the American Navy, led by the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) to win an unexpected victory against renowned British naval forces, energized the American public with the resolve to fight the war to a successful conclusion.

Please join these groups in celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and ring those bells!

Every county commissioners’ office in Ohio received a War of 1812 flag.