Military Tattoo, 200th Anniversary, War of 1812

On June 18, 1812 President James Madison signed this nation's first declaration of war. This marked the beginning of the War of 1812 against Great Britain. Skirmishes actually occured in St. Charles county. Thirty-five veterans of that war are buried in family plots and cemeteries throughout the County including three interred at Oak Grove Cemetery. Major George Sibley, husband of Mary Sibley, founder of Lindenwood University and Francis Howell are among local citizens who fought in that war.

To commemorate the 200th anniversary, a Military Tattoo will be held at the St. Charles City Veterans Memorial featuring the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps in period uniforms playing a selection of miitary tunes and marches played during the war. The processional will feature"Yankee Doodle" played by Andrew Jackson's Fife and Drums at the Battle of New Orleans, and "Chester," the national anthem before our current anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner," which was written by Francis Scott Key durng the War of 1812.

Doris Keeven-Franke, Archivist, St. Charles County Historical Society, will deliver the keynote address, Mayor Sally Faith will give welcoming remarks. Don Newman, St. Charles Veterans Commission, will emcee the commemoration.