Regional Team Helps Launch U.S. Navy War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration

PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, recently launched the Navy's commemoration honoring the bicentennial of the War of 1812 at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Commemorating Ohio's critical role in the war, a regional team from the volunteer, nonprofit Perry Group presented the Secretary [see photo link] with a "Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration" flag stitched with five indelible words: "Don't give up the ship".

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120328/CL77905)

"The flag draped over the shoulder of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry – as pictured in the Halls of Congress, U.S. Naval Academy Museum, and Ohio State House – include these instructional yet inspirational words that helped chart the course of victory for America against the British in the War of 1812," says David Zavagno, chairman of The Perry Group's Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Committee, which has been planning its tribute for over three years.  

Zavagno, along with Blanca Stransky, superintendent of the National Park Service, which oversees the Perry Memorial and surrounding grounds at Put-in-Bay, presented the navy blue flag to Secretary Mabus.

The turning point in the War of 1812 was the Battle of Lake Erie, when Oliver Hazard Perry – sailing under a "Don't Give Up the Ship" battle flag – led the U.S. Navy over the British Navy in a historic battle near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The War of 1812, also remembered for Francis Scott Key's authoring of the Star Spangled Banner and burning of the White House by the British army, was America's first great Naval war, and the Battle of Lake Erie was the first-ever U.S. Naval fleet victory over the British navy.

The Navy, as part of its 15-city tour to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, will visit Cleveland Aug. 27 - Sept. 4, featuring Navy ships and special events. A video about the Navy's commemoration, including depictions of the pivotal Battle of Lake Erie, is available on YouTube: http://youtu.be/VD75BAzjqek.

The Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Committee encourages the public to visit http://www.battleoflakeerie-bicentennial.com (or use shortened link: http://bit.ly/BLE200) to learn more about the Battle of Lake Erie itself and the schedule of events surrounding the bicentennial celebration. 

About The Perry Group

The Perry Group is a volunteer, nonprofit organization working with the National Park Service as well as the local, national and international community.  The group honors Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who led the U.S. Navy to victory in the Battle of Lake Erie, and celebrates the long-lasting peace among the United States, Britain and Canada.  For more information please contact:  The Perry Group, 25 Town Hall Plaza, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456, telephone: 419-285-2804.

SOURCE The Perry Group