[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE MACKINAC ISLAND STATE PARK COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DAN BENISHEK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2012

  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the 
Mackinac Island State Park Commission on the occasion of the 
bicentennial of the beginning of the War of 1812. This war reasserted 
America's lasting independence and freed our country from foreign 
invasion.
  Mackinac Island played a decisive role in the war effort. Ceded to 
the United States by Britain in 1796, Fort Mackinac was the site of two 
battles during the conflict: one in which the fort was captured in a 
bloodless battle by the British, and another in which American forces 
bravely attempted to take back the island and its fort, but were 
ultimately repelled. According to local legend, fallen soldiers of this 
battle are buried at the Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, which by custom 
flies its flag at half-staff to honor the many unknown soldiers buried 
in its hallowed ground. This war also marked the end of conflict 
between the United States and Great Britain and ultimately led to 
peaceful relations with England and Canada, two of our nation's 
greatest allies.
  The Mackinac Island State Park Commission has been a leader in 
preserving this proud history. Since the site of the first land battle 
of the War of 1812 and an important memorial to our armed forces are 
both located on this island, I would like to commend the Commission, 
its board and its employees for their dedication to the island, its 
sites, its people, and its organization of this year's bicentennial 
commemoration.
  I wish to extend my best wishes to the people of Mackinac Island, 
visitors, and the governments of the United States and Canada as they 
commemorate this solemn and significant occasion.

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