Press Release

October 30, 2009
SENATOR CARDIN HAILS $500,000 IN NEW FUNDS FOR STAR-SPANGLED BANNER NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL


WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today joined
Congressmen Elijah Cummings (MD-7)
, C.A Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2) and
John Sarbanes (MD-3) in praising final congressional passage of $500,000 in funding for the
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
  The funding was included in the Interior-Environment Conference Report, which also includes a Continuing Resolution to fund much of the federal government through December 18.
  The bill now goes to the President for his signature.



 


The National Historic Trail system commemorates major routes of historic travel and events that have shaped American history. The bill creating the
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail was signed into law in 2008 and comes in time for the upcoming bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812.
 

The $500,000 appropriation will allow for a Comprehensive Management Plan in order to plan for the upcoming bicentennial celebration, which culminated at the Battle of Baltimore and the celebrated role of the Star-Spangled Banner flying over Fort McHenry.





 






The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is part of Maryland’s rich heritage and culture,” said
Senator Cardin.
  “As the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaches, the State of Maryland needs to be prepared so that we can ensure all Americans will have the opportunity to learn and study the history of what is often referred to as the ‘Second American Revolution.'”





 


“The history of the Baltimore area is historically linked to the War of 1812, the battles that were fought here, and our noble National Anthem which emerged from the fight,” said
Congressman Cummings. “I am glad that our history will be kept alive by improving this wonderful trail, so that our children will have the opportunity to experience the twin wonders of Maryland’s natural beauty and its history.” 



 


The Star-Spangled Banner Trail is a living memorial to those who gave their lives to protect our young nation.  The trail is a wonderful way to inspire people of all ages to learn more about Maryland’s rich history,” said
Congressman Ruppersberger, a member of the Appropriations Committee.



 


“As the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaches, this funding will help make the Star Spangled Banner Trail a reality and educate generations to come about the important role Marylanders played in protecting this nation,” said
Congressman Sarbanes. “Many refer to the War of 1812 as the ‘Second War of Independence.
Events in Maryland, most notably the heroic defense of Fort McHenry, helped prove that democracy could hold together through the trials of war and set the stage for the spread of democracy around the world.”




 


The Trail begins with the June 1814 battle between the British Navy and the American Chesapeake Flotilla in St. Leonard’s Creek in Calvert County, follows the British landing at Benedict on the Patuxent River, the Battle of Bladensburg, and then moves on to the British march into Washington, D.C., which was sacked and burned. From Washington, it follows the British campaign to the Battle of North Point and on to Baltimore, ending at Fort McHenry, site of the defeat of the British and where Francis Scott Key composed The Star-Spangled Banner, our
National Anthem.

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