Ruppersberger’s Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Bill Passes House 

(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) today successfully ushered his bill honoring Maryland’s rich history to passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.  H.R. 2097, the “Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act,” passed the House by a vote of 419 to 1.

H.R. 2097 will create a commemorative coin to honor America’s national anthem.  After a 25-hour British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key saw an enormous American flag proudly flying over the fort, which was defending the City of Baltimore.  Key was inspired to write “The Star-Spangled Banner” that eventually became America’s national anthem.  Recent statistics show two out of three Americans do not know the lyrics to our nation’s anthem, according to the National Anthem Project. 

“Baltimore is proud to be the home of the Star-Spangled Banner, America’s national anthem, right here in our backyard.  This coin will highlight the critical role Maryland played in the creation of our nation and hopefully inspire people to learn about our state and our country’s rich history,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). 

The bill authorizes $1 and $5 silver coins that will be minted in 2012 for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.   Proceeds will help fund the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, which will host celebrations along the East Coast, including Fort McHenry in Baltimore, kicking off in June of 2012.  The legislation must pass the Senate and be signed by the President before it can become law.     
  
Congressman Ruppersberger urged his colleagues to support this important measure during a speech on the House floor earlier today.

Click this link, http://dutch.house.gov/av/ruppersberger9909.wmv, to watch Congressman Ruppersberger’s speech.    

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