This program generously sponsored by the Naval History and Heritage Command.

**********************

As part of the U.S. Navy's commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, the Pritzker Miilitary Library is proud to present Keeping the Sea Free for More Than 200 Years: Voices of the Heroes of the Naval War of 1812.

Since its birth in 1776, the United States has always been a maritime nation, which means that unobstructed access to and free use of the world’s oceans are essential to our national welfare and prosperity. That’s what the United States went to war in 1812 to defend, and that is what the United States Navy has been protecting ever since. Many things change in 200 years, but what doesn’t change is the importance of sea power in the affairs of maritime nations.

Presided by Rear Admiral Gregory Nosal, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two and moderated by Dr. William Dudley, former Director of Naval History for the U.S. Navy, the panel features four experts on naval history and the War of 1812:

RADM Joseph Callo, USN (Ret.) - Author of The Sea Was Always There
Donald R. Hickey - Author of Don't Give Up The Ship
SLt(N) Gordon Laco - Historian and film consultant
Dr. William Thiesen, Ph.D., Atlantic Area Historian for the U.S. Coast Guard

To learn more about the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, visit: http://ourflagwasstillthere.org