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Contact: Mary (Maggie) Beckford, 419-285-2184 extension 1229 PUT-IN-BAY, OHIO – The life of Oliver Hazard Perry – “The Hero of Lake Erie” – will be celebrated on August 19 and 20 at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial with living history programs and black powder artillery demonstrations.“Oliver Hazard Perry and his actions on September 10, 1813 is the cornerstone of why we are here,” said Park Superintendent Barbara Fearon. “Celebrating his birth is a natural event for Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.” Perry was born on August 23, 1785 and this year marks the 232nd anniversary of his birth, and the 198th anniversary of his death on August 23, 1819 at the age of 34. Perry died of yellow fever during a mission to Venezuela in 1819 and was buried in Trinidad. His body was later exhumed and returned to his native Rhode Island. Perry had celebrated his 28th birthday just 18 days prior to leading the United States Navy squadron under his command in the battle for control of Lake Erie. His decision to leave his battered flagship and take command of the US Brig Niagara after a 15 minute ride in a longboat changed American history. British Commander Robert Barclay commended Perry after the battle on his fair treatment of the British sailors. The remains of three American and three British naval officers were brought ashore at Put-in-Bay and buried in present day DeRivera Park. Their bodies were exhumed in 1913 and moved to the new memorial column being built on the isthmus between downtown Put-in-Bay and East Point. The Battle of Lake Erie was the last time the United States and the United Kingdom fought against each other. Both countries and Canada have been allies since. The United States and Canada share the longest undefended border in the world and the 352-foot tall peace memorial at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial sits just five miles from the Canadian border. Both days Park Rangers will present a “Life at Sea Encampment” from 11am until 4pm. A special Junior Ranger Program “Join Perry’s Squadron” will be given each day at 1 pm. Commodore Perry will talk about the lives of new recruits in his squadron and why they were fighting the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. The commander will conclude the program with a musket firing demonstration. The majority of activities take place on Saturday and include: · Rope making and knot tying · Firearms of Naval Warfare including pistol, musket and rifle · The Life of a Young Sailor in the US Navy in 1813 · Care of the Wounded and Medicine During the War of 1812 · Junior Ranger Program “Join Perry’s Squadron” at 1 pm · Musket Demonstrations at 11 am, 3 and 5 pm · Carronade Demonstrations at noon, 2 and 4 pm Sunday’s schedule includes: · The Life of a Young Sailor in the US Navy in 1813 · Care of the Wounded and Medicine during the War of 1812 · Junior Ranger Program “Join Perry’s Squadron” at 1 pm · Musket Demonstrations at 11 am, 3 and 5 pm · Carronade Demonstrations at noon, 2 and 4 pm |
Last updated: August 11, 2017