[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 -EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE CONGRESS THAT A POSTAGE STAMP SHOULD BE 
  ISSUED TO COMMEMORATE THE WAR OF 1812 AND THAT THE CITIZENS' STAMP 
ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD RECOMMEND TO THE POSTMASTER GENERAL THAT SUCH 
                           A STAMP BE ISSUED

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, the War of 1812, also referred to as 
``America's Second War of Independence,'' was a defining conflict in 
our Nation's history that today is often overlooked.
  Today, I am introducing the War of 1812 Commemorative Stamp Act, a 
resolution which urges the United States Postal Service (USPS) to issue 
a postage stamp commemorating the War of 1812. With the bicentennial of 
the War of 1812 just three years away, issuing such a stamp is a 
fitting tribute to those who heroically defended our Nation's borders 
and secured a lasting independence from Great Britain.
  Much of our popular American culture is a product of the War of 1812. 
It inspired the Star Spangled Banner, the first appearance of Uncle 
Sam, and the phrases ``Don't Give up the Ship,'' ``Remember the 
Raisin,'' and ``We have met the enemy and they are ours.''
  The War of 1812 also has a great significance to the 15th 
Congressional District of Michigan and the citizens of Monroe, 
Michigan. Located in Monroe is the River Raisin Battlefield, the site 
of a major engagement that occurred during the American campaign in the 
winter of 1813 to retake Fort Detroit from the British. The Battle took 
the lives of nearly a thousand American Regulars and Militia in what 
was then known as Frenchtown.
  This bloody event, arguably the largest land engagement of the War of 
1812, gave birth to the emotional rallying cry ``Remember the Raisin,'' 
which prompted thousands to volunteer for General William Henry 
Harrison's spring 1813 campaign.
  The people of Monroe dedicated themselves for years to restore the 
integrity of the battlefield in hopes of turning it into a national 
park and a place where history-lovers across the country could come to 
commemorate this landmark battle. In a show of its commitment, Monroe 
turned over the land to the federal government for free. Finally, after 
years of work, we were able to pass legislation to turn this important 
site into the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
  Madam Speaker, I'm certain there are similar sites throughout the 
country that represent part of our American history. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in my efforts to give the War of 1812 the 
recognition it deserves.

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