CHICAGO — The Coast Guard is scheduled to participate in a series of events at Navy Pier this week, beginning Wednesday to help commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
The Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay arrived Tuesday afternoon, along with the USS Hurricane.
The Chicago commemoration will include performances by War of 1812 re-enactors in the Coast Guard Historic Ship’s Company, performances by the Coast Guard’s silent drill team, tours aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay, a helicopter search-and-rescue demonstration and special events recognizing the Coast Guard, America’s maritime first responder for more than 200 years.
The modern Coast Guard was established in 1915, when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the United States Life-Saving Service.The Revenue Cutter Service, originally named the Revenue-Marine, was established in 1790 and played a significant role in the War of 1812.
COAST GUARD EVENTS:
The cutter Biscayne Bay will be open to the public for tours beginning at 8:45 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the exception of one hour between 11 a.m. and noon, when it will be closed. The cutter is located on the southeast end of Navy Pier.
Members of the Coast Guard, dressed in authentic costumes from the 1812 era, will be explaining what life would have been like aboard one of the ships during the War of 1812. They will be located on the pier next to Biscayne Bay.
A Coast Guard historian will provide presentations on the War of 1812 and the Coast Guard’s involvement, beginning Wednesday on Navy Pier’s second floor mezzanine near Terrace B at noon and 3 p.m.
