The Henry Ford is commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 with a special flag raising ceremony on the lawn of Henry Ford Museum. The ceremony – at 10 a.m., Monday, June 18 – marks the 200th anniversary of the declaration of war.

The fifteen star flag will be flown over the Independence Hall Clocktower at Henry Ford Museum. (Photo used by permission from Scott Calleja.)

The observance at The Henry Ford is one of several important events taking place as part of the State of Michigan’s War of 1812 Commission’s 15-Star Flag Raising Initiative.

The Henry Ford will fly an 8-foot by 12-foot, 15-star flag over the Independence Hall Clocktower at Henry Ford Museum on Monday. A smaller version of the 15-star flag will be flown in Greenfield Village this weekend at the Phoenixville Post Office.

The 15-star flags will also fly during the August War of 1812 Muster weekend and on other key bicentennial dates relating to the war.

Some details of Monday’s event include:

• music by 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps and Greenfield Singers
• remarks by The Henry Ford’s President Patricia Mooradian and Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly
• a brief introduction to the importance of the war in Michigan’s history by Dr. James McConnell, Secretary Commissioner, State of Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission
• the Declaration of War read by Henry Ford Academy senior Bradley Hinken

The duration of the event is approximately 45 minutes; it is open to the public and free of charge.