Coast Guard to support War of 1812 Bicentennial commemoration events in Cleveland

CLEVELAND —The Coast Guard is scheduled to participate in events to celebrate the commemoration of the War of 1812 at various venues in Cleveland, Aug. 27 to Sept. 4, as well as in other cities across the Great Lakes region, through August and September.

The Cleveland 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 and 1812 color guard, concerts by the Coast Guard six-piece Dixieland Band, programs by a Coast Guard historian, tours aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay, and other special events recognizing the Coast Guard, America’s maritime first responder for more than 200 years.

The Revenue Cutter Service, originally named the Revenue-Marine, was established in 1790 and played a significant role in the War of 1812. The modern Coast Guard was established in 1915, when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the United States Life-Saving Service.

Just as the current Coast Guard’s role in homeland security drastically increased as a result of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, so did its role in national defense operations as a result of the War of 1812.

Since then, the Coast Guard has played a role in every major war, and the bicentennial commemoration provides an opportunity to recognize that history in Cleveland.

The War of 1812 began because Britain continued to interfere with American trade and shipping on the waters and on the frontier following the Revolutionary War.

Founded in 1796, Cleveland had just recently been established by surveyors from the Connecticut Land Company, who named what would be the capital city of its new Western Reserve after its leader, Moses Cleaveland.

Even though the landscape was mostly unsettled, Lake Erie and the harbors along Ohio’s coast were major strategic points for both sides in the War. If the British were able to control the area, they would be able to send troops straight into the heart of America’s young states.

The Battle of Lake Erie was fought on Sept. 10, 1813 and was a decisive victory over the British. It ensured American control of the Lake, improved American morale after a series of defeats, and compelled the British to fall back from the area. American control of Lake Erie meant the British could no longer provide essential military supplies to their troops, and the Americans continued to control the area for the rest of the war.

Some events during bicentennial commemoration will feature the Coast Guard’s 1812 Historic Ship’s Company, re-enactors delivering performances in uniforms exactly like those worn in the early 19th century.

U.S. Navy crews aboard the USS De Wert and USS Hurricane are scheduled to transit the Great Lakes to take part in bicentennial commemoration events as well.  Click here for important safety information regarding naval vessel protection zones enforced around transiting and moored U.S. naval vessels.

The scheduled list of dates of Coast Guard events in the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration celebrations in Cleveland are:

Specific information about public events and media opportunities will be released when it becomes available.