Reps. Angerer, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Ball, Bieda, Brown, Byrnes, Byrum, Casperson, Clack, Condino, Cushingberry, Farrah, Gillard, Gonzales, Green, Hopgood, Kolb, David Law, Kathleen Law, Lemmons, Jr., Lipsey, Mayes, McDowell, Miller, Mortimer, Murphy, Nofs, Plakas, Polidori, Sak, Sheltrown, Alma Smith, Spade, Stakoe, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Waters, Zelenko and Gleason offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 290.

            A resolution recognizing the Monroe County War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee as they organize events commemorating Michigan's role in the War of 1812.

            Whereas, It is with profound respect and appreciation that we recognize and acknowledge the commitment and effort of the Monroe County War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee.  The committee is comprised of dedicated citizens, governmental entities, corporations, and non-profit and civic organizations from throughout Monroe County.  The Bicentennial Committee plans to commemorate the Battle of the River Raisin and the War of 1812 by celebrating and promoting the historical significance of both events; and

            Whereas, The Bicentennial Committee is committed to creating as much awareness of this significant anniversary as is possible.  Relationships are being forged with similar committees for the state of Michigan as well as Ohio, New York, Kentucky and the Province of Ontario in order to share resources and to maximize exposure; and 

            Whereas, Monroe County's commemoration has been divided among several committees that are each responsible for a different facet of the Bicentennial.  Most compelling among these committees is the Historical and Cultural Committee that plans to restage Hull's march through Monroe County as well as a battle reenactment on the historic date.  The Educational Committee plans to engage both the general public and school children with programming and published material shared with each group in appropriate ways.  Other committees are hard at work preserving and enhancing the actual battlefield, designing materials to promote heritage tourism, and raising money and marketing the work of the Bicentennial Committee; and

            Whereas, The Battle of the River Raisin was fought on January 22, 1813.  It was one of the larger engagements of the War of 1812 and remains the largest land battle ever fought on Michigan soil.  Only 33 of the 934 American soldiers who fought in the battle escaped death or capture.  The brutal massacre of wounded soldiers that occurred the next day shocked and enraged Americans throughout the Northwestern Territories and became a rallying cry throughout the duration of the war; now therefore be it

            Resolved, by the House of Representatives, That members of this legislative body recognize the Monroe County War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee as they organize events commemorating Michigan's role in the War of 1812; and be it further

            Resolved, That other Michigan residents and historical society's interested in this particular period of American history be encouraged to join efforts with the Monroe County War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Library of Congress, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Historical Archives, and the County of Monroe.