Maryland Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Senator Ben Cardin are leading Maryland’s delegation to Congress in sponsorship of S. 653/HR 2097, the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act. The companion bills will authorize the U.S. Mint to produce 600,000 coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of our national anthem. Revenues from coin sales of up to $8.5 million will be directed to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to fund grants to bicentennial partners and for signature programs and events to commemorate the national bicentennial in Maryland. The Commission will raise private funds to match coin proceeds.

The good news is that the HR 2097 has passed in the House!  We need your help with S. 653 in the Senate.  We are asking friends of the Star-Spangled Banner, in Maryland and outside Maryland, to call or email their Senators to urge them to cosponsor the bills. Below is a draft letter. Coin bills require sponsorship of two-thirds of House and Senate membership in order to be heard.

Draft Letter

Dear Senator _____________:

As your constituent and a proud patriot, I request your co-sponsorship of S. 653, the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act.

This bill will authorize the U.S. Mint to produce 600,000 coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of our national anthem. This pivotal moment in our history showed the courage and spirit of a young nation. Suffering from threats to its hard-earned sovereignty, the United States defended her territory on the Atlantic coast, in the Great Lakes region, and along the Gulf of Mexico. Several American cities bravely withstood sieges and attacks by British forces. During one such siege, a citizen named Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner” from aboard a captive ship in Baltimore harbor. The anthem still inspires the confidence and pride of Americans today.

Two centuries after the War of 1812, the American spirit endures in the hearts of citizens who look upon the Stars and Stripes as a symbol of hope. I urge you to co-sponsor S. 653, the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act, as a way of championing our American heritage of liberty and courage.

Thank you for your patriotism and support. Please contact Andrew J. Remo in Senator Cardin’s office at andy_remo@cardin.senate.gov or (202) 224-4524 to cosponsor this bill.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]