(Winner of  State, SE Division, and 3rd Place National)

To commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, one of our chapter members wrote a proclamation and entered it into the Proclamation contest.  It won at the state level and went to district. It won the southeast District and went to national. It won 3rd place at National. We are proud to share our winning proclamation with you.

PROCLAMATION
War of 1812 Bicentennial

WHEREAS, two hundred years ago, on June 18, 1812, when President James Madison signed the declaration of war marking the first time that the United States had declared war on another nation, the War of 1812, began, lasting until the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1815;

WHEREAS, in the blaze of canon fire, a young lawyer looked out and, still see the American flag waving over the fort telling him that the British had not won, put pen to paper to write his thoughts and feelings,  giving birth to The Star-Spangled Banner which became our National Anthem;

WHEREAS, the bravery and patriotism of First Lady Dolley Madison shone for all to see as she refused to evacuate the White House until a portrait of George Washington and other national treasures were rescued as British troops stormed the capital to burn the White House and other government buildings;

WHEREAS, the exploits of the Regulars were justly celebrated, an ardent young Secretary of War, John Calhoun, would be able to convince Congress and the nation that the first line of defense should be a standing army and that the keys to its performance would be training and leadership;

WHEREAS, the War of 1812 showed the countries around the globe that the United States would not sit back and allow Britain to place trade restrictions on our country and to impress American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy, but would stand tall and fight over national honor after humiliations on the high seas;

WHEREAS, the War of 1812, often referred to as Mr. Madison’s War, produced a sense of euphoria over a “second war of independence” against Britain and ushered in an “Era of Good Feelings” in which the partisan animosity in the government nearly vanished;

NOW THEREFORE, I, (insert name of official), by virtue of the authority vested in me as (title of official) of (city proclamation is issued) do hereby proclaim June 18, 2012, a day for all to commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 in (state or city), and urge all our citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of (name of city) to be affixed this ________ day of __________  in the year of our Lord two thousand and twelve.