Highland County commemorates War of 1812

Members of the Highland County community commemorated the 200th anniversary of the declaration of the War of 1812 on Monday, at the Veterans Memorial outside the Highland County Courthouse.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9094 began the ceremony by lowering the American Flag, and raising the 15-star, 15-stripe American flag from the era.

Highland County Commissioner Tom Horst read a proclamation from the Highland County Board of Commissioners stating that during the three-year war, "to the citizens of Ohio, this war was personal. Ohio was the front line during the early years of the war and the scene of major battles. Ohio was the battleground where men fought and died to defend their country, their homes and their families. Today, as we commend their deeds, we also bear a heavy burden of responsibility to ensure that their sacrifices will not have been in vain."

Horst said, "Let us not forget those Buckeyes who have served in our nation's wars since 1803 (when Ohio achieved statehood), and those men and women who protect us around the globe today."

Members of the Children of the American Revolution and Junior American Citizens paid tribute to the War of 1812 by drawing stars along the sidewalk near the memorial to recognized the states of the Union in 1812. Members Josh Minor and Zach Kerley dressed in period regalia.

The U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung by the crowd. The lyrics come from a poem, "Defense of Fort McHenry" written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, when he witnessed a bombing of the fort by British Royal Navy Ships on Chesapeake Bay.

Sherry Mills read a poem about the American flag.

Charleene Tarr read the history of the war and led in the singing of "The Battle of New Orleans."

Dwight Reynolds of VFW Post 9094 gave a benediction over the service.