OLD GLORY COMES TO CHALMETTE BATTLEFIELD

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2008—As Old Glory continues its journey from the USS Arizona to Capitol Hill in Washington, it will fly over the Chalmette Battlefield at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park in Chalmette, La. on Monday, Feb. 11. AMVETS will be on hand for the event, as the flag is raised over the historic battlefield.

Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery is the site of the Battle of New Orleans where Gen. Andrew Jackson defeated a heavy British onslaught in the War of 1812.

AMVETS is working with the White House Commission on Remembrance to promote Old Glory’s Journey of Remembrance. The journey is six-month tour of the United States counting down to the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, when Old Glory will over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington.

“This countdown is a way for Americans to remember exactly what our men and women in uniform have fought for throughout our history,” said AMVETS National Cmdr. John P. “JP” Brown III. “AMVETS is proud to be working with the (White House) commission to make this possible, especially with our close ties to the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor.”

Old Glory’s journey began on Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7 when the flag flew over the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii. Chalmette Battlefield is one of many historic sites, including Fort McHenry, Chalmette Battlefield, Gettysburg, Appomattox Courthouse, and Arlington National Cemetery.

           
About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community services that enhance the quality of life for this nation’s citizens. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.

Media Contact:

National
Publications Editor
Jay Agg
(301)-683-4035
jagg@amvets.org

National
Media Specialist
Ryan Gallucci
(301)683-4073
rgallucci@amvets.org