Monmouth County Library Hosts War of 1812 Commemoration

More than 300 people packed the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan on June 9 for a special afternoon of history and music to commemorate the War of 1812.

In one of his last public appearances before he relinquishes his command of Earle Naval Weapons Station, Capt. David Harrison spoke to the crowd about how the War of 1812 helped shape the U.S. Navy.

He noted that the USS Constitution earned its nickname “Old Ironsides” in the August 1812 naval battle when it forced the surrender of the British frigate HMS Guerriere, scoring a major victory. “British sailors were amazed that their shot seemed to bounce off the heavily built Constitution – this despite the fact the Constitution returned to port with more than 40 cannonballs imbedded in its sides,” Harrison said.

In honor of his three-year command of the Earle base, Monmouth County Library Commission Chair Renee B. Swartz and Freeholder Lillian G. Burry presented Capt. Harrison with a history book on the War of 1812.   

William H. White, author of …Our Flag was Still There, told the story of how Francis Scott Key came to write the Star Spangled Banner during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. The audience then listened to stirring patriotic songs from The Imperial Brass, a 28-piece brass ensemble. Soprano Amanda Grafton, who is studying at The Manhattan School of Music, joined the ensemble to sing our The Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America.

Living historians First Lady Dolley Madison, Francis Scott Key and Commodore Uriah Levy greeted audience members and were available for photos and conversations.