Political Quotes

“Today the Senate takes an important step forward in celebrating and commemorating one of our Nation's most important emblems and historic periods. Included in the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 is legislation that I authored, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act. I am proud to be joined by cosponsors of the original bill, including Senators Mikulski, Warner, Webb, and Kennedy. This land and water trail of almost 300 miles covers parts of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia to commemorate the events leading up to the writing of the 'Star-Spangled Banner' during the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. The trail traces the following major events: the arrival of the British fleet on the Patuxent River; the landing of the British forces in Benedict, MD; the sinking of the Chesapeake Flotilla at Pig Point in Prince George's County and Anne Arundel County, MD; the American defeat at the Battle of Bladensburg; the siege of the Nation's Capital and the burning of the U.S. Capitol and the White House in Washington, DC; the route of the American troops from Washington through Georgetown, the Maryland counties of Montgomery, Howard, and Baltimore, and the city of Baltimore to the Battle of North Point; and the ultimate victory of the Americans at Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814.”