Political Quotes

“I rise today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the ``Star Spangled Banner,'' and to honor the memory of all Americans who came together in America's ``Second War of Independence,'' particularly those fallen heroes who gave their lives during the conflict. It is important Americans recognize the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn the uniform of this Nation. On behalf of the Senate, I thank the millions of brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and risked their lives for our Nation, including during the War of 1812. The War of 1812 confirmed America's independence from Great Britain in the eyes of the world. Before the war, the British had been routinely imposing on American sovereignty. They had impressed American merchant seamen into the British Royal Navy, enforced illegal and unfair trade rules with the United States, and allegedly offered assistance to American Indian tribes that were attacking frontier settlements. In response, the United States declared war on Great Britain to protest these violations of free trade, sailors' rights, and sanctioning raids on American land. After 2\1/2\ years of conflict, the British Navy sailed up the heart of the Chesapeake Bay with combined military and naval forces, and in August 1814 attacked Washington, DC, burning to the ground the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and much of the rest of our capital city.…”