BALTIMORE
– U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin,
and
U.S. Congressmen C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger John Sarbanes
and former
Senator Paul Sarbanes
(all D-MD) today gathered at Fort McHenry to honor the War of 1812, and the critical role Maryland played in the growth of our young nation with a Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin.
  H.R. 2097, the legislation creating the coin, passed the House and Senate and was recently signed into law by President Obama.

“As Marylanders, we are proud of the unique role our state has played in our nation’s history, and the creation of this commemorative coin to coincide with the 200
^th anniversary of the War of 1812 will make it possible for us to focus national attention on this bicentennial celebration.
  Often referred to as the Second War of Independence, we have an opportunity to ensure that all Americans remember the war that finally secured our nation’s freedom,” said
Senator Cardin
, who sponsored the coin bill in the U.S. Senate.

“It is a great honor for


Baltimore
to have a special Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin minted to draw attention to the important role Marylanders played as our nation fought for survival.
  Preparations are already underway for an exciting celebration to honor the 200
^th Anniversary of the War of 1812.
  The Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin will be a wonderful addition to these festivities and help raise much needed awareness and funds to make these events possible,” said
Congressman Ruppersberger,
who sponsored the legislation in the United States House of Representatives.
  

The lawmakers called on area kids to submit their design ideas for the coin to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.
  Artwork should be sent to the following address by October 8, 2010:
 

Maryland


War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

Attention: Kate Marks

Maryland


Office of Tourism/DBED

World


Trade
Center


, 14
^th Floor

401 E. Pratt Street

Baltimore

,


Maryland
21202

The Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative coin will be minted in 2012 in coordination with the 200
^th Anniversary of the War of 1812.
  A portion of the proceeds will go to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to support bicentennial activities, assist in educational outreach, and preserve sites and structures relating to the War of 1812. After a 25-hour British bombardment of


Fort
McHenry
during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key saw an enormous American flag proudly flying over the fort, which was defending the City of
Baltimore
.
  Key was inspired to write
The Star-Spangled Banner that eventually became our National Anthem.