1812: America's Forgotten but Fateful War

Written by Pater A. Bunten May 30

Commemoration on Sunday, June 3, 2012, 11:00AM

This year marks the 200^th anniversary of the start of the War of 1812, and I am honored to be a part of the war's commemoration, sponsored by the Friends of Woodlawn. In June of 1812 the young United States declared war on the greatest power in the world, Great Britain. In doing so, it put its very existence at risk, because not only did we battle against Great Britain, but also Canada and the united tribes of Native Americans in the northwest. There was much at stake. A few more victories and Canada might be part of the U.S.; a few more defeats and we might have lost our independence. Beyond that, the outcome of the war helped solidify both the United States and Canada as strong, independent nations, but also spelled doom for the Native Americans continued existence with the boundaries of the United States. The war was no victory for the U.S., though it felt like one and was remembered as one.

But 200 years later most Americans know little about the war, why it was fought, or what the outcome was. At best, we might associate the war with our national anthem and the Battle of New Orleans. On June 3rd, we'll examine the War of 1812 through multiple perspectives. I'll give an introductory overview of the war, showing some video clips of key aspects, and then we'll proceed on a walking tour through the cemetery, visiting the sites of four people who fought in or were connected to the war. As an added treat, the Military Society of the War of 1812 will present a Color Guard presentation.