Preserve the Pensions

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), the National Archives and Records Adminsitration (NARA), and the genealogical community have undertaken a monumental project to digitize the
War of 1812 pension files—a fitting beginning to the bicentennial commemoration of a war which has been called our nation's "Second War of Independence." These images will be available to genealogy researcers and the public for free. Contributions to this project have already made these files available.

Why Are The War of 1812 Pension Records So Important?

FGS is committed to projects such as the Preserve the Pensions – War of 1812 Pension Digitization Fund that link the genealogical community by advancing the cause of preserving records and making them more accessible to the public.

FGS is proud to be leading the national fundraising to support this project and is actively seeking donations from genealogical and historical societies, patriotic and military heritage societies,

as well as interested corporations and individuals. Ancestry.com and Fold3 are providing a

dollar-for-dollar match of each donation through a provision of services.

 

The above article has been taken from this web site. http://www.fgs.org/cstm_PreserveThePensions.php

You can click on the address and get more information about this project and see how you can donated to it.

Veterans Day

L to R: Al Pluchos and Ken Scott members of The American Legion Post 454 in Oak Island, NC

Veteran's Day in 2012 is on Sunday, the 11th of November. When a holiday falls on a Sunday the following day is designated for holiday leave. The American Legion Post 454 from Oak Island, NC was represented by Senior vice-commerce, Al Pluchos and St. at Arms, Ken Scott. They were stationed out front of Lowe's grocery store in Southport collecting funds to support the veterans. Each contributor received a red poppy.

The donations that Post 454 received on Veterans Day will go toward sending care packages to active duty officers and also to support the The Warrior Ride.

The donations that Post 454 Debra and her husband Bob Racine are co-founders of received on Veterans Day will go toward sending care packages to active duty officers and also to support the The Warrior Ride.

The Warrior Ride is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in Oak Island, North Carolina with a mission of rehabilitation for our wounded war heroes. The Warrior Ride uses adaptive bicycling and other morale building events as a tool for recreation and rehabilitation. There is no cost to the men and women to participate in "The Warrior Ride” events. All expenses are paid through donations and grants.

The Warrior Ride in Oak Island, NC was founded by residents Bob and Debra Racine. After holding a cycling event in 2005 they came to the realization that this would be a wonderful way to rehabilitate our wounded warriors. Adapting bicycles to injuries can be difficult, but they make it work. It was felt that getting recreational therapy and camaraderie of being with others who had shared the same experiences would put them on the road to healing. Being a Veteran himself, Bob understands the sacrifices made daily by our servicemen and women. This is Bob and Debra’s life work, their personal ministry, which brings great joy to their lives.

http://www.thewarriorride.org/upcoming-cycling-events.html

Go to the above web site to learn more about The Warrior Ride  Project. Learn how you could be a part of it too. Read some of the biographies of wounded soldiers who have come back from battle and have been rehabilitated through this program.

DCR Staff Members Receive National Award for War of 1812 Commemoration Leadership

In the photograph are LR: Honorary President National of the U.S. Daughters of 1812 Nona Thompson Quinn; David Brook; Jeff Bockert; N.C. Society President of the U.S. Daughters of 1812, Carol Chapuis Canales; Honorary Vice President National Mary Edwards Little; and Honorary Vice-President National Gwen Clemmons Causey
(Photo: courtesy of N.C. Department of
Cultural Resources)

 

On October 19, 2012, at a ceremony in Southport, North Carolina, the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 awarded its Spirit of 1812 Award to North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources (DCR) staff members David Brook and Jeff Bockert. The ceremony occurred at the conclusion of a Daughters of 1812 marker dedication at Deep Water Point commemorating a state militia encampment.

 North Carolina Society President Carol Chapuis Canales and Honorary President National of the National Society of the U.S. Daughters of 1812 Nona Thompson Quinn made the presentation. They cited David Brook's founding chairmanship and leadership since 2009 of the North Carolina War of 1812 Bicentennial Planning Committee. They also recognized Jeff Bockert’s achievements in educational outreach and leadership as chair of the of the “Lower Cape Fear and the War of 1812” symposium. 

 David Brook is the director of Division of Historical Resources in the Office of Archives and History. Jeff Bockert is East Region Supervisor of the Division of State Historic Sites and Properties of the Office of Archives and History.

The DCR War of 1812 Bicentennial Planning Committee has undertaken public educational activities including two symposiums in 2012, a speaker's bureau, numerous re-enactments and demonstrations, and creation of a Web site and audio visual materials.

L to R: 1812 State President Carol Canales, Commissioner Charles Gause No. 433 Chapter of US Daughters of 1812 members; Jackie Craft, Phyllis Wilson, Susan Hadsenchuk, Linda Rivenbark, Betsy Pessetto and Carol Jutte

 The article was submitted by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.

 

 

1812 State Meeting and The Bicentennial Celebration

 

From L to R: Joyce Holcomb, Recording Secretary for the Cherokee NC Chapter of 1812; Major Mark Patton, AFJROTC Instructor at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, NC, Nora Hickam, N C State Registrar of 1812, Carol Canales, State President of NC Daughters of 1812, Keith Hardison, is the Director of NC Historic Sites at the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and Elaine Conwell Baldasare is the State Treasurer and Recording Secretary of 1812.

The North Carolina Society United States Daughters of 1812 held their annual State Council Meeting on September 8, 2012 at The Sea Trail Conference Center in Sunset Beach, NC.  Major Mark Patton presented a slideshow at the State 1812 Meeting on ”Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC_ Myth, Facts, and Statistics.”  Keith Hardison  gave an interesting and entertaining program on, "The British Are Coming or Are They?

The NC Division of Historic and Cultural Resources is coordinating an upcoming three-day event in Southport, NC on October 18-20th.It is called Lower Cape Fear and the War of 1812. For more information call 910-457-0003.

The Cherokee Chapter is sponsoring "Dolley Day"

Greensboro Historical
Museum130 Summit Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27401
Telephone: (336) 373-2043
Fax: (336) 373-2204
Hours: Tu-Sat 10-5, Sun 2-5

The Cherokee Chapter is sponsoring "Dolley Day" at the Greensboro Historical Museum on October 6th. If you happen to be in the area, do come. You can meet Dolley at 10:30 and 2:00, and see the power-point presentation of how her dress was sent to Washington to be part of the

"1812: A Nation Emerges"exhibit at 11:30 and 3:00: There will be lots to see in the museum, too.

The dress will be on display in Greensboro sometime this spring, when it is brought back home. This will be the first time in twenty years that it has been seen and probably the last time, too, because it is so fragile.

The museum has a trunk of Dolley's that is in desperate need of restoration. We're hoping to have it ready to be shown at the same time as the dress, provided we can raise the necessary funds. If you would like to make a personal donation toward this project, please send me a check made out to the Greensboro Historical Museum. Be sure to put "Dolley Trunk" in the space marked "For." I will see that your chapter and the NC society gets credit for the donation.

Thanks go to Carol, who is going to bring me the state society's 1812 flag to use that Saturday! I know any children who come will love seeing a flag with 15 stars and stripes.

I think it will be fun. I just called the Octagon House in DC and they are sending me some brochures and maybe some copies of Dolley Madison's ice cream recipe, too.

Jane (Thomas)
1700 Leslie Rd.
Greensboro, NC27408-3618

Lower Cape Fear and the War of 1812

 

 

 

Norfolk and Hampton Roads, October 9, 2012

Dear Daughters,

As part of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, we have an opportunity to visit one of the most contested areas of War, the Chesapeake Bay and the nearby port cities. The tour is open to all members, and guests. I hope to greet you as we head South toward the Virginia Capes.
Lynne Schulman, Tour Coordinator
^th Vice President National

 

Highlights of Our Forthcoming All-day Visit

Norfolk and Hampton Roads, October 9, 2012

 Members of the Daughters of United States Daughters 1812 and guests are invited to explore historic Hampton Roads, center of epic Naval battles during the War of 1812.

The cost of $100 will include the cruise on the same waters fought over by the American and British naval forces, two meals, and our tour narrated tour by a highly respected historian of the area. We will depart from Headquarters 1461 Rhode Island at 8:00 am by chartered Coach.

 Those who would be coming from south of Richmond or the West are invited to meet us for lunch and the tour with a waiver of the Coach cost. Complete details on the Tour description.

 DEADLINE for reservations is October 1 Please send your check payable to Treasurer National N.S.USD to Lynne Schulman, 6649 McLean Drive, McLean, VA 22101-4002. Questions? Email schulm@erols.com or call 703-980-5181.

 



image of USF Chesapeake, Gosport Navy Yard, c. 1812]

The Chesapeake Bay was one of the primary theatres of the War of 1812.  Two of the key causes of the war, impressment and suppression of trade were keenly expressed by the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair which occurred directly off the Virginia capes. The British invaded the Bay in February 1813. The British recognized that the destruction of U.S. naval resources, shipping, shipyards, and privateers as well as the capture of the bay's rich agricultural products would weaken the American war effort. Norfolk was the first target. While Norfolk was a major commercial center, the prime target was Portsmouth’s Gosport Navy yard. The yard had the USF CONSTELLATION anchored along its quay. Hear the history of those fateful times.

Good Books about the War of 1812

1812: A Nation Emerges by Sidney Hart and Rachael L. Penman
187 Things You Should Know about the War of 1812: An Easy Question-and-Answer Guide by Donald R. Hickey  
The Burning of Washington: The British Invasion of 1814 by Anthony S. Pitch
Conquered into Liberty: Two Centuries of Battles along the Great Warpath that Made the American Way of War by Eliot A Cohen
The Final Invasion: Plattsburgh, the War of 1812's Most Decisive Battle by David Fitz-enz
James Madison: A Son of Virginia and a Founder of the Nation by Jeff Broadwater   Old Ironsides: Eagle of the Sea: The Story of the USS Constitution by David Fitz-enz
A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation by Catherine Allgor
The Selected Letters of Dolley Payne Madison by David B. Mattern
Strength And Honor: The Life Of Dolley Madison by Richard N. Côté

The War of 1812: A Guide to Battlefields and Historic Sites by John Grant and Ray Jones  

War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict, Bicentennial Edition by Donald R Hickey
Washington City Is Burning by Harriette Gillem Robinet 

Children’s Books

Famous People of the War of 1812 (Documenting the War of 1812) by Robin Johnson

Francis Scott Key and "The Star Spangled Banner" by  Lynea Bowdish and Harry Burman  
The Invasion of Sandy Bay by  Anita Sanchez
The Smuggler's Treasure (American Girl History Mysteries) by Sarah Masters Buckey  

We Remember 9/11

http://www.911memorial.org/ Visit this site on the internet for more information about the 9/11 memorial.

September 22, 2012 Grave Marking in Fayetteville, NC

Important Information about the 1812 State Meeting

Dear Chapter Presidents,

 Please distribute to your members and find out how many Bi-Centennial War of 1812 Lapels Pins your members want to purchase.  They will be at the State Meeting Saturday, September 8th for $10.00.  For those not attending, Chapter Presidents please send me the number your chapter members want to purchase along with a check made payable to Carol Canales and I will make one shipment per Chapter and make one check payable to the Commissioner Charles Gause Chapter.

 Also, at the State Meeting Patricia Gambarelli, Author of The Four Seasons of Gourmet Entertaining will be selling her new cookbook for $25.00 and donating 40% to the NC U.S.D. of 1812 which is very generous.  The offer is only available on the day of the State Meeting, Sept. 8 so if you want to purchase her cookbook and unable to attend, either send a check with someone coming from your Chapter or send me a check made payable to Patricia Gambarelli.  Mail to me at Carol Canales, 227 Clubhouse Road, #801, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.  Please send me an email if you are mailing me a check for the cookbook so I can insure to track it.

All the best,

Carol Conales

War of 1812 Stamp Series

Did you know that in August USPS will issue the first in a new series of stamps commemorating the War of 1812? The first stamp in the series features the oldest known painting of the most famous ship of the war, USS Constitution.

1812 Bi-Centennial/Annual NC State Meeting on September 8th

The Commissioner Charles Gause Chapter of 1812 is hosting the 1812 Bi-Centennial/Annual NC State Meeting on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Sea Trail Plantation Conference Center, Room 3 on Clubhouse Road in Sunset Beach, NC. There will be time to socialize at 9:30 a.m., then the meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. After a lovely lunch, special guest speakers Dir. Keith Hardison, State Historical sites and Major Mark Patton, JROTC, Fayetteville, NC will present their programs. For special discount rental rates call Nora Hickam at 910-575-99876. Please reply by August 24^th, 2012. The total cost for registration and meals is $35.00. Make checks  out to Commissioner Charles Gause Chapter USD 1812 and mail it to Nora Hickam; 207 Planters Ridge Drive; Sunset Beach, NC 28468.

Please take a look at the two blogs below sent from Dr. Brook about the War of 1812 .

Happy Reading,

Carol Conales

http://www.blogof1812.com/

 

http://montpelier.org/blog/?p=5064

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 North Carolina War of 1812 Events...

David Brook, Director, Division of Historical Resources Office of Archives and History, shares these photographs with us of War of 1812 events in June including the commemoration of the reading of the declaration of war at the Capitol and a ball at the Raleigh City Museum. 

“North Carolina Regency Assembly members at the Capitol.”

Gov. Hawkins and Gen. Calvin Jones as depicted by

re-enactors L-R Charlie Carpenter and Jim Greathouse.

“Regency Assembly members at the Raleigh City Museum”

Ruth Verbunt of the North Carolina Regency Assembly also points out the interesting French themed picnic at Jefferson’s retreat, Poplar Forest, Oct. 13th, near Lynchburg, VA. Visit the link at http://www.varegency.org/index.html.

War of 1812 Bicentennial Events

http://www.varegency.org/index.html
If you scroll down to the Section Titled - War of 1812 Bicentennial Events and Information and click on North Carolina War of 1812 Bicentennial you can see some recent and upcoming events that include the U.S.D. War of 1812.
Lots of activites all over North Carolina and surrounding states as well.

June 29 Symposium; The Naval War of 1812 North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort

L to R: Michael Hill, (member of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Planning Committee.) Gerald Thomas, Shelley Crisp (Executive Director, NC Humanities Council), Thomas Daniel Thompson, David Brook (Dirctor, Division of Historical Resources, and chair War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee) Stephen Budiansky, (Keynote speaker), Lawrence Babits, Lindley Butler, Jeffrey Crow (Deputy Secretary for Archives and History, N.C. Department of Cultural Resources), Director of Cultural Resources) Carol Canales, ( State President of the U.S.D. 1812 )Wade Dudley behind Carol, and William Thiesen.

David Brook, J.D., Ed. Director, Division of Historical Resources Office of Archives and History N.C. Department of Cultural Resources highly recommends that blog viewers download this terrific overview of the War of 1812 presented in the interview by B.J. Davis of the Museum of History and Professor Donald Hickey. It is twenty-one minutes long and perfect entertainment while you lunch in your office. Just scroll down and click the “podcast” link.

In honor of the 1812 Bicentennial, Prof. Hickey presented a podcast with historian Donald Hickey. Prof. Hickey teaches at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, and is author of several books on the War of 1812 including, The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict, Don’t Give Up the Ship!: Myths of the War of 1812, and The Rocket’s Red Glare: An Illustrated History of the War of 1812. In addition to his books, Dr. Hickey is a featured scholar for the PBS documentary on the War of 1812 which aired nationally in October 2011.

You can find the podcast at:

http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/wgo/podcasts.html#1812

Just a few pictures of those who were the planners and renactors of the June 29th symposium

L to R Dr. David Brook, J.D., Ed. D. Director, Division of Historical
Resources; Dr. Shelley Crisp ED of the NC Humanities Council;
Jim Greathouse, member of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Planning Committee and re-enactor.

Re-enactors at the Beaufort Historical Association grounds on Saturday, June 29th
st the Symposium, The Naval War of 1812 North Carolina Maritime Museum,
Beaufort.

Jim and Leisa Greathouse (both are on the Bicentennial Planning Committee)

State Committee Chairmen Forms

The War of 1812 Bicentennial Symposium

State 1812 President Carol Canales at the Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC

David Brook, Director, Division of Historical Resources and chair, War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee gave the Welcome speech at 9:30 a.m. at the June 29^th Symposium of The Naval War of 1812 North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC. There will be an entire day of events. Go to nc1812.ncdcr.gov for more information.

This is the first of two conferences to commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. President Canales encourages as many people as possible to attend the second conference at Fort Johnston, Southport, North Carolina on October 20, 2012.

New Commissioner Charles Gause Chapter Officers' Sworn in on June 16, 2012

L to R: Corresponding Secretary - Undine Longo; Recording Secretary - Carole Weiss;
President - May Szalankiewicz; Chaplain - Susan Hadenchuk; Librarian - Joan Hall;
Registrar - Pat Elsaesser; missing from picture are: Vice-President - Bonnie Becmer;
Treasurer - Betsy Pessetto; and Historian - Cheri Lambert

The Commissioner Charles Gause No.433 Chapter of the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 held their final meeting for the season on Saturday, 16 June, 2012 at Winding River Plantation. It began at 10:30 and was followed by a luncheon at the club house. President Nora Hickam presented the new President May Szalankiewicz the wooden gavel, which will be engraved at a later date.  Chaplain, Helen Taylor swore in the new officers; President - May Szanankiewicz; Vice President – Bonnie Becmer; Treasurer – Betsy Pessetto; Registrar – Pat Elsaesser; Recording Secretary – Carol Weiss; Corresponding Secretary – Undine Longo; Historian - Cheri Lambert; Librarian – Joan Hall and Chaplain – Susan Hadenchuk.

Other 1812 members observe Chaplain, Helen Taylor swearing in the new

officers, who will hold office for the next two years.

Nora Hickam presented
May Szalankiewicz
with the new gavel, but
what does she have in the bag?
Picture taken by Carol Jutte.

Nora Hickam presented
Chaplain - Helen Taylor, State President -
Carol Canales and Publicity Chair - Phyllis Wilson
 with a thank you
lace hankie with the 1812-2012 USD
 monogrammed on it.
New President, May Szalankiewicz is carefully placing the new gavel
back in the box.
Picture taken by Carol Jutte.

America's Second War for Independence

L to R: David Brook, J.D., Ed.D. Director, Division of Historical Resources Office of Archives and History N.C. Department of Cultural Resources; Carol Canales, State President of 1812; the officers of the Captain Johnston Blakeley Chapter Anne Locke, President; Clara Stark, Vice President; Kimbery Froeschner, Secretary; Elaine Baldasare, State and Chapter Treasurer; Laura Edwards, Chaplain, and Lynne Belvin, Historian.

The Captain Johnston Blakeley Chapter Daughters of 1812 held their first meeting/luncheon of the year on May 19, 2012 at the NCSU University Club in Raleigh, NC.The guest speaker at the Captain Johnston Blakeley Chapter Meeting was David Brook, Director, Division of Historical Resources and chair, War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee. He will also be giving the Welcome speech at 9:30 A.m. at the June 29^th Symposium of The Naval War of 1812 North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC. There will be an entire day of events. Go to nc1812.ncdcr.gov for more information: http://nc1812.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/brochure.pdf to view the pamphlet for more detailed facts about both events: North Carolina Maritime Museum Beaufort, NC, Friday, June 29, 2012 and Fort Johnston; Southport, NC Saturday, October 20, 2012.
Below is information on the October 20^th Conference to Commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 at Fort Johnston, Southport, North Carolina.

Beginning at 9:00 A.M and throughout the day, living history demonstrations will take place on the Garrison lawn. All talks will be in the Southport Community Center.
10:00 AM “Fort Johnston in the War of 1812”
Jim McKee, Historic Interpreter, Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
11:00 AM “North Carolina Gunboats”Jim Greathouse, Historic Interpreter, Fayetteville Transportation Museum
Noon:  Luncheon
1:00 PM Home Front/Uniforms and Clothing
2:00 PM “Captain Johnston Blakeley”
Andrew Duppstadt, Assistant Curator of Education, Division of State Historic Sites
3:00 PM “Soldiers from North Carolina in War of 1812”
Jeff Bockert, Assistant Curator of Education, Division of State Historic Sites
4:00 PM Memorial service for Fort Johnston on the garrison lawn

Events associated with the Southport program, to be conducted on the Garrison lawn at Fort Johnston are open to the public. The Southport symposium, which will include a luncheon, will require a modest fee. Call 910-457-0003 to register.

Please join us in Beaufort and Southport.

Star-Spangled Sailabration

http://www.scorpionarchaeology.blogspot.com/

Star-Spangled Sailabration
Schedule of Events
Star-Spangled Sailabration, June 13-19, is an international parade of more than 40 tall ships and naval vessels. These ships sail into Baltimore for the national launch of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Star-Spangled Sailabration will feature free tours of the ships, waterside festivities, an airshow featuring the Blue Angels, and the world-premiere of “Overture for 2012,” composed by Philip Glass.

http://www.starspangled200.com/  Visit the website for more detailed information.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

http://baltimore.org/arts-and-culture/fort-mchenry

This is a famous point of interest in Baltimore, MD. In the Battle of of Baltimore Fort McHenry was successful in preventing the British inasion of the fort. This is the battle that inspired the Francis Scott Key to comost the Star Spangled Banner.

Words to the Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Information has been provided from the above web site.
Clara Stark, Raleigh  USD 1812 chapter member 
e-mailed blog manage, Phyllis Wilson the contact information to share with all
the 1812 members. Clara is attenting the Star-Spangled Sailabration and promises some pictures of the event.



Photo taken from the above web site.

June 16th meeting at Winding River Plantation

May you have a blessed, safe Memorial weekend.  It is a special time in which all of us have been touched by our ancestors.

This 18 June 2012 is the beginning of the bi-centennial of the war, inaugurating a 32- month of activities remembering the conflict with Britain that claimed almost as many lives as the Revolutionary War, cemented our young nation’s independence, gave us “The Star-Spangled Banner”, and opened up a whole new way of life for Americans.  During these few days of cookouts, beaches, families and friends, may we remember our ancestors who made it all possible.

Our final meeting for the season will be Saturday, 16 June,  2012 at Winding River Plantation.  It will begin at 10:30 with dutch treat following. Directions : from Hwy South 17 turn  left at the light onto 211 East at Supply. Turn right onto Zion Hill Road (brick signs says Carolina National and Winding River) , drive past Virginia Williamson Elementary School and take a right hand turn on Goley Hewett Road and Carolina National is on your left. From Southport turn left onto Zion Hill Road.

We are excited about  our new slate of  officers which we will welcome ; there will be  special speaker;  deep discussions about the chapter hosting the State Meeting in September, and many other enjoyable  things.  Please come all as it will be a most important time.

It has been an honor to serve as your chapter president and Registrar National these past three years.

PLEASE RING THOSE BELLS FOR ALL TO HEAR NOON 18 JUNE, 2012. 

Proud to be a Daughters of 1812,

Nora Hickam
President

Nora Hickam, President and Carol Canales, State President

March 17th 1812 Meeting

The March 17th 1812 Meeting was held at The Reserve Golf Club in the Nicklaus Room at St. James Plantation in Southport, North Carolina. 1812 Member, Betsy Pessetto gave a very interesting program titled, “Sailing to Victory on Carolina Oaks.”

Three young ladies from our local South, North and West Brunswick High Schools were recipients of the prestigious 1812 award. 1812 Cadet 1^st Sgt. Alejandra Morales was chosen from SBHS. 1812 Cadet Major Estefania F. Gutierrez was chosen from NBHS and 1812 Cadet Breanna McAdoo was chosen from WBHS.

The Order of 1812 criteria; A cadet has to have demonstrated qualities of academic excellence, leadership, military discipline, dependability, patriotism and character in speech and habits, which exemplify the ideals upon which our nation was founded.

Betsy Pessetto presented an excellent program titled " Sailing to Victory on Carolina Oaks."

"The War of 1812--Victory at Sea on Carolina Live Oaks".  In the earliest 1800s America was still floundering economically as a result of the Revolutionary War and trying to establish its autonomy and integrity.  At the same time, British ships were harrassing American merchant ships, confiscating their cargo, and impressing seamen into the Royal Navy. 

President Jefferson recognized that in order for the American Colonies to survive, they would have to challenge the Royal Navy.  Thus, began the building of gun boats and the most famous American naval vessel, the USS Constitution.   To make these boats, shipyards called on the Carolinas to provide them with a supply of lumber from the live oaks.  The wood of the live oak is very dense, and so less able to be penetrated like other woods.  It is not as susceptible to salt spray and most commonly grows along the sea coast, making it more readily available to the shipyards. 

 Reportedly, the USS Constitution received its nickname, "Old Ironsides", becasue its live-oak hull was so tough that the cannon balls from the British war ships literally bounced off it. These gun boats, made from live oaks, were responsible for the Colonies' successes in all three theaters of the War, and aided in serving a crushing blow psychologically to what had been the all-powerful Royal British Navy. 

L to R:   1812 Cadet Major Estefania F. Gutierrez from NBHS and  1812 Cadet 1st Sgt. Alejandra Morales from SBHS 

Cadet Major Estefania F. Gutierrez is a senior at North Brunswick High School. As a member of the JROTC Drill Team throughout high school, she participated on the drill and rifles, as well as the color guard for one year and two years as a staff member. Her activities include; two years in the French Club, member of the French Honor Society and National Honor Society, in addition, she was the recipient of the National Sojourners Award. She has done volunteer work for the Key Club and Youth Health Service Corp. Estefania plans to attend UNCW to pursue a degree and work later as a nurse practitioner.

Sergeant Alejandra Morales is a sophomore at South Brunswick High. She has been a member of the Drill Team since her freshman year. She is on competition and community color guards. Next year she will be the competition color guard Commander. She has participated on both the softball and soccer teams. Alejandra is a member of the Key Club, Teen Court and she volunteers often for the JROTC program.  Upon graduation, she plants to study Criminal Justice and serve in the military. She is interested in attending Appalachian State University.

Cadet Breanna McAddoo from WBHS           

Cadet Breanna McAddo is a freshman from West Brunswick High School. She is a member of the JROTC Drill and Rifle teams. She received the Academic Achievement and the SAI Instructional Leadership Awards. She participated in the environmental clean-up, fundraising for both Toys for Tots and Blue Star Mothers. She also participated in Communities in School and publicity for JROTC.