Transcripts For CSPAN3 Battle Of New Orleans Bicentennial 20

Signed in 1814, the battle of new orleans launched Andrew Jackson to fame. This event is about 90 minutes. Welcome. Critical events in United States history took place 200 years ago today. I am Gwen Thompkins and i am honored to mc this bicentennial commemoration ceremony. Like many schoolchildren in this area, i first learned about the battle of new orleans on a class trip. Right here where the action took place. I remember the day fondly because back then, it was warmer than it is today. Much warmer. No contest. The impression that stayed with me as a child and remains with me now is that two nations can go to war and later become not just allies, but the best of allies. That is a terrific achievement in World History worth commemorating every year. It is also a great lesson in what piece can look like peace can look like when adversaries lay down their arms. Each of you has your own special connection to the battlefield and like me, you contribute to the storylines that are constantly unfolding from this place. Stories that arcs through adversity and toward a greater good. 200 years ago residents of the city of new orleans, men fighting with Andrew Jacksons forces and the nuns of the convent spent the night before the decisive battle in prayer. Since then, the nuns have continued giving thanks each year to our lady for the successful defense of the city. Sister rosemary joins us now to deliver an invocation. Please help me welcome her. [applause] as a member of the community in new orleans, i feel privileged to give this invocation on such an historic anniversary. The sisters played a major role in the success of the battle of new orleans. They, together with the mothers wives, sisters, sweethearts, and friends of the american fighters gathered in the chapel in the convent in the french quarter. They prayed throughout the night for an american victory. On the morning of january 8, 1815 a courier rushed in to announce, victory is ours. After the battle, Andrew Jackson came to the convent to thank the nuns for their prayers. He is quoted as saying, by the blessing of heaven one of the most brilliant victories was obtained. Jackson also requested to order a service of public thanksgiving in token of the great assistance we have received from the ruler of all events. On that memorable day of january 8, 1815, a valve was made by one of the sisters that if the americans were victorious, a massive thanksgiving would be celebrated in our chapel followed by the singing of the churches him of praise the churchs hymn of thanksgiving to god. It will take place beginning at 4 00 this afternoon in the shrine on state street. At this time, let us pause to give praise to almighty god and to pray for all those who suffered through this battle. Almighty god, creator of all, we give praise and honor to you and we thank you for life and freedom. Today we realize that our freedom comes with a price, a price that has been paid for by the lives of brave women and men throughout the centuries. We pray for all those who lost their lives in this battle, both american and british, and we are grateful for their sacrifice. We ask the ruler of all events to be with us today and in the future that we will continue to honor you, our creator, and we will continue to pursue a muchneeded peace in our world. We pray for that peace of jerusalem, our world, that all nations will prosper as one that peace will reign among all people and integrity dwell within the hearts of every person. Friends and neighbors and former enemies cry out as one p,eace be within your walls and security within your towers. For the sake of the house of the lord our god, we will seek your good. Amen. You may be seated. For decades, local and National Organizations have maintained a solemn tradition here. Each year, on january 8, reefs are presented in memory reefs are presented in memory of the bravery 200 years ago on the battlefield. This tradition continues. The first recognize state militias that supported the United States federal army during the war. They were antecedents to todays National Guard. Four state militias converged in unity here. The Kentucky National guard the louisiana National Guard the mississippi National Guard and the tennessee National Guard native americans fought in major battles of the war of 1812 from ontario down to the gulf of mexico. Ian thompson is here to present a wreath honoring the ancestors of the shop town nation of oklahoma choctaw nation. The combatants on both sides represented a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds stretching across the atlantic by way of the caribbean. Here to recognize the contributions of the citizens are the National Society United States daughters of 1812, patricia gallagher, low easy Louisiana Society president john williams. General society of the war of 1812, tom jax president. Daughters of the british empire, jane caruso, Louisiana Society president. Ike edwards and Gregory Osborne direct descendents of a freeman of color who fought in the battle. They are joined by Beverly Mckenna dolores, barbara trevino, and elizabeth rhodes, curators educators, and volunteers. Kathy jackson is president and founder of the river road africanamerican museum. Al jackson is the founder of historic collection treme collection. They are presenting a wreath of the afro caribbean men who labored and fought on the battlefield. The battle was critical for the then threeyearold state of louisiana. The sevenyearold st. Bernard parish and the city of new orleans, which back then, was still acclimating to the idea of being an american city. Today, representatives of these three local government pay tribute to the men women, and merchants and laborers whose efforts helped win the day and who were built and who rebuilt the region after the war. They are the louisiana battle of new orleans bicentennial commission, the city of new orleans, and st. Bernard parish. Recognizing our roots in the National Park Service Program featuring High School Students from st. Bernard parish and the city of new orleans. There wreath is an honor of the young people who will Carry Forward louisianas historical and Cultural Heritage. The British Embassy for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is presenting a wreath and honor of the continuing friendship and alliance between Great Britain and United States. His excellency sir peter ambassador of Great Britain will receive the wreath. The National Park service is presenting a wreath on perhaps on behalf of the United States of america as a symbol of goodwill, peace, and solidarity with Great Britain. Superintendent lance will receive the wreath. As sir peter and the superintendent placed the final wreaths, lets give this is deemed group of individuals and organizations a round of applause. [applause] thank you. You may now take your seats. Sean joins us now, Deputy Director of the Southeast Regional office of the National Park service. His remarks will be immediately followed by the presentation of colors and the National Anthem of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of america. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. On behalf of the interior secretary and National Park service director, i welcome all. Today, we commemorate the battle of new orleans bicentennial. The american victory over British Forces announced to the world that the young nation was up to the task of defending our shores. It was reassured americans that we could confidently provide for our own defense. We learned our diversity is our strength. The victory provided the linchpin for future growth and extended the United States to the shores of what became california, oregon, and washington. Today begins a weekend of tribute and celebration. Allow me to think the mayor and parish president for supporting the battle of new orleans bicentennial. I also want to thank the ursuline sisters for their prayer and support and what a lovely invocation. We appreciate the Strong Spiritual foundation you provide the community. Many deserve praise for this event. Thank you to the United States Postal Service. We stand in the shadow of the monument, a generous gift bestowed to the grateful nation by the daughters of 1812. They are the sites first partners. The daughters remain steadfast supporters of the fallen soldiers. By deepening awareness of the war of 1812 for their commitment and hard work. Lets give them a round of applause. [applause] the people of louisiana have dedicated themselves to todays celebration recognizing the importance of the battle of new orleans bicentennial, a commission was established to educate residents and to support activities that honor our debt to the past. The commission presented a proposal for a new memorial, the passage of unity. Later, we will unveil the concept design. Lieutenant governor, thank you to your commitment for your commitment to this. Join me in applauding him. [applause] every day, the United States and United Kingdoms flags decorate this landscape. The symbol of grief it symbolizes our grief and embodies our respect for the armed forces and celebrates a lasting peace. To honor these national flags, i ask you to please stand for the presentation of colors. Remain standing for the National Anthems. The National Anthems of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be performed by the u. S. Marine corps ceremonial band. The National Anthem of the United States will be performed by act ii. This will be followed by a musket salute. You may be seated. Let us thank the United States marine corps ceremonial band as they take their exit. [applause] may i say an excellent version of house of the rising sun. Thank you, sir. The city of new orleans and st. Bernard parish share many Common Threads in history as geographic neighbors and centers of louisianas rich cultural landscape. Please welcome to the podium new orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu followed by st. Bernard parish president. Good morning. My introduction to this battle came from my mother, who was raised by the ursulines. A day did not go by she did not remind me that it was the ursuline nuns who secured the freedom for the United States of america. Sister, thank you, we will see you this afternoon. Which a governor, thank you so much for work Lieutenant Governor, thank you so much for organizing this event. And of course, all of the volunteers. As we stand on this sacred soil in the shadow of the American Flag and in the shadow of that lonely tree, your mind can take you back quickly to the day that so many men and women on this battlefield gave up their lives in pursuit of freedom and liberty. Many people talk about that day because it really did secure the future of the United States of america in ways that may be some americans dont understand. As this region stands shoulder to shoulder, being a symbol of resilience postkatrina, this area of the country has been so important to its past and will be important to its future. As we commemorate the lives that were lost in honor of all of the men and women in the military that of thought so hard, we realize freedom is not free. Not here or on distant shores. As we remember the past, it is important to think about the future. I was stated earlier as was stated earlier, although america one that particular battle, shortly thereafter, we began to stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends in the United Kingdom and have since that time been allies. From that moment into the future as we protect our homelands and this world from tyranny. The terrorist attacks in paris indicate that we are all under threat and we have not had a better ally than the United Kingdom and this battle not only reflects what we have done in pursuit of freedom here, but what we together weve shown the world what it looks like when people come together in common purpose. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder. We thank those people who began it so long ago. Thank you so very much and have a wonderful day. [applause] good morning. I had to change my speech this morning because i won a two present you i wanted to present you with a warm welcome to st. Bernard parish. Our executive authority does not extend to mother nature. On behalf of the people of st. Bernard, i would like to extend a welcome to all of the visiting dignitaries, state and local officials, and visitors from around the world to be here on this very special day. French, spanish, african population who made the line to defend the country that had adopted them through the louisiana purchase. As president of the parish, it is an honor to host this prestigious event that was so important in our nations history. Since 2012, my administration has worked with our partners at the National Park service, the state of louisiana, the living history foundation, and many other groups. They bring attention to this consequential battle and honor those who fought here. Thank you for being here at st. Bernard today. Thank you. Thank you, parish president peralta and mayor landrieu. The United States Postal Service has issued three postage stamps to commemorate the war of 1812. The stamps depict the nations sacred landscapes, national flag, and vivid images conjured by the u. S. National anthem. Here today with a special announcement is peter argentine Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee member and district manager of louisiana, representing the United States Postal Service. Please welcome mr. Argentine. [applause] thank you. I am not the district manager, though. I have to say that. I am from pittsburgh, though, where it is 11 degrees today. I did not bring the cold, but it is warm here. This is a great turnout, and such a beautiful day. Unfortunately, the Postal Service governor, who had planned to dedicate todays stamp, could not be with us this morning. And i know it is a really huge disappointment to him. Remarkably he has a very personal affection for the stamp, since is great, great rant father fought in the war of 1812 with the 10th u. S. Infantry. So i am sure he is sorry he cannot be here. However, i am very honored to be here representing the u. S. Postal service and the Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee as we conclude our bicentennial commemoration of the war of 1812. The conflict has been referred to as our countrys second war of independence. It is a great personal honor for me to be at the sight of this battle, as i was here five years ago filming reenactments for the newly restored Battlefield Visitor Center behind us. And i have to say it was equally cold that day. So i think it gives us all a great appreciation for one of the many obstacles the british faced. I also want to thank a number of the reenactors who are here who helped us out that day. I think the reenactors do a tremendous job, so thanks to all of them. [applause] as every stamp collector knows the Postal Service commemorative Stamp Program focus National Focuses National Attention on great moments in American History. By portraying achievements and ideals stamps acknowledge heroes and bring historical subjects to life. That is certainly true of our newest stamp which commemorates the last great battle of the 2. 5 year war with great written, a key moment in defining our nation. W