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Sarbanes, Cardin, National Park Service Launch Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

July 30, 2012
Sarbanes, Cardin, National Park Service Launch Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Baltimore, MD – U.S Congressman John P. Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), along with the National Park Service, today officially launched the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail with a ceremony in the Fell's Point neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. Partners from all nine regions along the trail were recognized for their hard work to develop the trail in their local areas.

"The launch of the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a proud moment for all Marylanders," said Congressman Sarbanes, who authored legislation to create the trail. "As we commemorate the War of 1812 Bicentennial, the Trail will help bring to life historic events that unfolded in our own backyard and changed the course of our nation's history. I hope it will help visitors, students and others to learn more about our state's critical role in the 'second war of independence' and how the United States' victory set the stage for the spread of democracy around the world."

With help from regional partners, important sites along the trail are now ready for visitors in southern Maryland, the Upper Bay, Maryland's Eastern Shore, Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City and Baltimore County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

"The launch of the Star Spangled Banner Trail is a key part of our nation's bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812," said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. "It will provide Marylanders and visitors with a way to access and appreciate the sites engaged in our nation's Second War of Independence. Highlighted by kiosks, wayside signs, and highway markers, the trail will offer a unique combination of land and water-based sites and give visitors a unique understanding of Maryland's role in the war that helped shaped our nation."

Over 100 partners, friends, and tourism professionals showed their support at the trail's launch today. NPS Superintendent John Maounis said, "The hard work and dedication of our partners throughout the region results today in a trail that is open and ready to receive visitors. Families can tour the trail, visit historic places, ride their bikes or visit by boat. The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office will continue to work with our partners to offer additional opportunities for education and recreation."

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