Ships of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy are scheduled to visit Toledo as part of the Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Navy Week, August 20-27. The week will be packed with family-friendly special events recognizing the Navy for keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.
Area residents will have the opportunity to learn about the War of 1812 and about the Navy’s capabilities and relevance to national security, as well as see the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Navy firsthand through a wide array of community events and outreach. During the festivities, the public can attend Navy Band Great Lakes concerts, view Navy Color Guard performances, interact with the Navy F-18A Flight simulator, and visit U.S. and Canadian Navy ships.
“Toledo was carefully chosen as one of 15 cities this year where America’s Navy will ‘come home’ to demonstrate the mission of the U.S. Navy and the proud Navy and Marine Corps heritage,” saidCarla E. Lucchino, assistant for administration, Department of the Navy. “We’re honored to have the City of Toledo host us as we engage with local corporate and community leaders, interact with the public and perform various community service projects.”
Arriving at the Maumee River front in downtown Toledo on Aug. 23, will be the coastal patrol ship USS Hurricane (PC 3) and the frigate USS De Wert (FFG 45), accompanied by the historic US Brig Niagara – a War of 1812 replica tall ship first constructed using the original wreckage salvaged from a Lake Erie bay in 1913. Tours aboard the ships will be open for public visitation.
Additionally, sailors from the Toledo area, the visiting ships, as well as local U.S. Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in many community service projects, including volunteering with the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, interacting with students at the Imagination Station, and participating in a softball game with athletes from the Special Olympics.
“The Great Lakes Region is as important to our Navy today as it was 200 years ago. Toledo is one of the many Navy cities in the region that continue to inspire and support our maritime forces,” saidRear Admiral Gregory M. Nosal, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two. “I look forward to our Navy and Marine Corps team visiting this region to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and showcase our ships as well as our men and women who stand the watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, protecting our way of life.”
The War of 1812, also known as America’s second war for independence, is regarded by many as the conflict that started our country’s rise to global influence. From 1812 to 1815, the United States fought to expand to the north and west, and to assert rights to trade freely with other countries without interference from Britain’s Royal Navy ships on the high seas. America’s modern Navy and its role as a global maritime force are deeply rooted in the events of 1812 to 1815. Earlier this year,the United States Navy and its sea-service partners began a three-year commemoration to the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.
A full event schedule will be available online in mid August:http://www.navyweek.org/toledo2012/index.html and http://www.ourflagwasstillthere.org/
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 