Celebrating unity, the War of 1812

Photo By Cpl. Gabrielle Quire | Volunteers reenacting as American militiamen in the War of 1812 catch the flag as it is lowered at the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve Jan. 10, 2015. The park hosted a series of living history events on the Chalmette Battlefield in Chalmette, La., that commemorated the bicentennial 1815 Battle of New Orleans.  

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES

01.13.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Gabrielle Quire 

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

NEW ORLEANS - The Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve hosted a series of living history events on the Chalmette Battlefield in Chalmette, Louisiana, Jan. 8-10, 2015, in remembrance of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans.

Despite the cold, hundreds of living history enthusiasts gathered at the park for the battle’s 200th anniversary. The event’s opening ceremony brought forth many distinguished guests; Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, attended the opening ceremony along with British government officials and dignitaries from around the globe.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Unity,” recognizes the honor and sacrifice made by the men and women that came together under a 15-star American Flag, free and enslaved, from a wide range of backgrounds, races and regions. To this day, unity is shown by people from every walk of life who keep the tradition of commemoration alive year after year at the Chalmette Battlefield.

Lance Hatten, superintendent of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve says the event is a great way to bring the local community together and for people to learn more about the city’s history.

“The park belongs to all of us, it’s part of our history and anytime our staff can come together to work with the local community to appreciate our heritage, that’s what makes this event special,” said Hatten.

In addition to the park’s events, Nunez Community College hosted its third annual Battle of New Orleans Historical Symposium Jan. 9, 2015. Marines from Marine Forces Reserve attended the symposium, which consisted of historical discussions on topics such as "Weaponry in the Battle of New Orleans," "The Battle of Lake Borgne," "The Pirates Laffite and the British Invasion," and many more. After departing the college the Marines took a tour of the Chalmette battlefield, visiting colonial vendors that presented goods and services from that time period.

Weather conditions were not unlike those at the battle 200 years ago; in near-freezing temperatures, re-enactors and hundreds of attending patrons endured the weather to take part in the celebrations. James Lundergan, a volunteer who portrays a brigade major of the American regular infantry from Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been attending the reenactment for more than 10 years.

“What happened here 200 years ago was truly amazing. There were very few people on the American side that really thought they stood a chance going up against the best army in the world,” said Lundergan. “It wasn’t just one group of people, it was everyone; the regular army, the navy, the state militias, the freemen of color, the nuns, the citizens of New Orleans. Everybody came together, worked side-by-side to make this happen.”

Lundergan volunteers with the 7th United States Living History Association in the 7th Infantry, one of two regular infantry regiments that fought in the Battle of New Orleans. The 7th Infantry was created in 1808, and except for one company of men, no one had been tested in battle until Dec. 23, 1814, during a night attack against advanced elements of the British force.

Lundergan says he has not missed this event since Hurricane Katrina. Everyone came together and overcame a struggle by working together, much like the Battle of New Orleans.

“It’s just such a meaningful site for so many reasons and it is something worth remembering,” said Lundergan.

The Battle of New Orleans was the last battle of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. This victory became the symbol of American democracy prevailing over European nobility and entitlement.

• Date Taken: 01.13.2015
• Date Posted: 01.13.2015 14:40
• Story ID: 151910
• Location: NEW ORLEANS, LA, US