Senators Anderson, Bieda, Whitmer, Colbeck, Jones, Kowall, Gleason, Smith and Hansen offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 153.

A resolution to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812.

            Whereas, The War of 1812 served as a crucial test for the United States Constitution and our newly-established democratic republic; and

            Whereas, Michigan was a significant battleground during the War of 1812. At least seven land battles and four naval amphibious actions were fought within its boundaries; and

            Whereas, Michigan served as a base for the first American invasion of British Canada in July 1812 and was the location of the first major event of the land war, the capture of Fort Mackinac by British and Indian forces on July 17; and

            Whereas, Michigan played a critical role in the War of 1812, including the city of Detroit which was captured and occupied by British forces and the Battle of Frenchtown in Monroe County on January 22, 1813, where more than 900 soldiers from Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky fought; and

            Whereas, The War of 1812 left its mark on Michigan in many ways, and the bicentennial of that conflict is worthy of observance for its impact on the history and development of our state; and

            Whereas, Recognizing the bicentennial of the War of 1812 will increase awareness of Michigan’s cultural heritage and assist cultural economic development in this state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812. We urge officials, civic leaders, local historians, and the public to organize and hold special events in their communities in mid-June to help remember this important chapter in Michigan’s history.