BALTIMORE, MD (September 8, 2007) – Governor Martin O'Malley issued an Executive Order Saturday, September 8, 2007, creating the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to plan a multi-year cultural tourism and educational initiative to commemorate Maryland’s unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation including the pivotal clash that ensured American victory, an iconic flag, and our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. The announcement was made as part of the annual Defender’s Weekend activities at Fort McHenry, the 193rd anniversary of the successful defense of the city from British attack.
In announcing that he is issuing the Executive Order creating the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission at Fort McHenry, Governor O’Malley said, “At the Fort, we can look back in time and imagine what it was like for the defenders of Baltimore – mostly foreign-born new Americans and African Americans – to shield a trembling city from the greatest military power in the world. The state and the nation deserve a bicentennial commemoration that lays the groundwork for telling the inspiring stories of the Chesapeake Campaign, the Battle of Baltimore, the making and flying of the flag, and the writing of the poem that became our national anthem for future generations.”
The 13 Commission members will be named by the Governor and convene at Government House for an inaugural meeting in October 2007. The Commission is charged with: preserving and promoting the historical, cultural, and natural resources that interpret the stories of the War of 1812; planning and implementing an appropriate series of statewide events and activities to commemorate the bicentennial for residents and visitors; and serving as the State’s lead agency to coordinate public and private programs and funding