This is an old thread, but as it was Bicentennial related...
Just returned from some of the festivities of the Bicentennial of the Battle of the River Raisin.
I skipped the usual wreath laying and tactical demonstration at the RR Battlefield (no snow makes for "boring" RR battle re-enactments), and missed the memorial service at the Kentucky War Memorial, but did catch the two lectures at the Historical Museum. The first was on drinking in the War of 1812 and was quite interesting. The second was an over-view of the War of 1812 in the north west (and how each side perceived it). Most of the Q&A was given to the discussion of alcohol of course.
One of the special Bicentennial events was a two show concert commemorating the battles. I was pleasantly surprised in that it was done quite well (we in Monroe do not always organize things the best...to much parochialism in the community) The MC was in character of an American gentleman of the War of 1812 period (and so many of our British friends may not have so enjoyed his colorful and expressive language re: the British). The program began with fife and drum tunes from the Revolutionary Era, and proceeded with choir songs and period dance numbers. Among the songs were a number of British scores including the Grenadiers March, which I have never heard sung before, and of course those good old drinking songs, Anachreon in Heaven and Garry Owen. Members of the Potawatomi Tribe were also there with a drum and warrior song, and they received just about the longest ovation of the night. The most touching numbers were two. The first featured a poem written by a soldier's wife after the battle, and was put to music for this bicentennial, it was quite touching. The other was a poem by an American officer written the night after the Second battle. All very touching. All verses of the Star Spangled Banner were song (by the audience as well) near the end. The finale though was the arrival of a Canadian drum and pipe corps playing Maple Leaf Forever as the entered, and ended up with they along with the fife and drum corps, choir, and orchestra playing several airs commemorating two centuries of peace between the U.S. and Canada. Long standing ovation for that. The Canadians were particularly popular (who doesn't like the pipes).
All in all an enjoyable day. Wish I had made the tactical, though as John brought the big boy's to play rather than the usual 3 pounder pop guns.
![Cyan67 is on the path to success [1-99]](images/reputation/reputation_green.gif)
). The program began with fife and drum tunes from the Revolutionary Era, and proceeded with choir songs and period dance numbers. Among the songs were a number of British scores including the Grenadiers March, which I have never heard sung before, and of course those good old drinking songs, Anachreon in Heaven and Garry Owen. Members of the Potawatomi Tribe were also there with a drum and warrior song, and they received just about the longest ovation of the night. The most touching numbers were two. The first featured a poem written by a soldier's wife after the battle, and was put to music for this bicentennial, it was quite touching. The other was a poem by an American officer written the night after the Second battle. All very touching. All verses of the Star Spangled Banner were song (by the audience as well) near the end. The finale though was the arrival of a Canadian drum and pipe corps playing Maple Leaf Forever as the entered, and ended up with they along with the fife and drum corps, choir, and orchestra playing several airs commemorating two centuries of peace between the U.S. and Canada. Long standing ovation for that. The Canadians were particularly popular (who doesn't like the pipes). 
Linear Mode
