National world war ii memorial this is half an hour. Were missing my name is alex kerr shaw, im a member of the board of directors of the friends of the National World war ii memorial. I have written several books about world war ii including one called the longest winter, which is about the battle of the bulge and americas most decorated platoon from world war ii. It is my great honor to serve today, as your master ceremonies. Thank you all for joining us on this chilly, Beautiful Day as we mark the 75th anniversary of the battle of the bulge. The largest and bloodiest single battle fought by the United States in world war ii. In fact, the largest fought in the u. S. Of its entire history. Friends of the National World war ii memorial was a small Non Profit Organization Whose Mission is to honor and preserve the National Memory of world war ii and to create the next greatest generation of tomorrow. This morning ceremony is part of the Friends National world war ii memorial fouryear wo
[applause] thank you very much for that introduction and thank you to the David Library for hosting me. Its a real pleasure to be here and see all of you this afternoon. Thank you. The title of my talk this afternoon is, love and honor in 1812. Patriotism and Popular Culture in the new United States. On june 19th of 1812, James Madison made a public announcement of the first war ever to be declared in the history of the United States. He said, quote, i exhort all the good people of the United States as they love their country, as they feel wrongs, that they exert themselves. Madisons call made clear that the expectation of showing love of country required giving support to the war. At a moment of National Crisis patriotism was needed. He sought to justify the conflict to the population at large and motivate the country to support the war. The stakes were high because although a majority in congress had voted in favor of declaring war not one Single Member of the Federalist Party had vo