SR-212, As Adopted by Senate, November 13, 2008

            Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 212.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress and the President of the United States to enact the River Raisin National Battlefield Act.

            Whereas, The then-territory of Michigan played a pivotal role in the events of the War of 1812, a military struggle that is sometimes referred to as America's "Second Revolutionary War." With victory in this war, the fledgling United States finally achieved complete freedom from the military domination of Great Britain, which had occupied American territory--including the settlements at Detroit and Mackinac--long after the Treaty of Paris had ended the Revolutionary War; and

            Whereas, The Battle of the River Raisin took place on Michigan soil on January 22, 1813, at what was then called Frenchtown in Monroe County. Nine hundred thirty-four Americans were involved in this conflict. Of this number, only 33 escaped death or capture following the massacre of wounded soldiers and innocent civilians after the battle had ended. This was one of the bloodiest encounters of the War of 1812; and

            Whereas, In early October of that same year, the men of the Kentucky Cavalry, led by survivors of the Battle of the River Raisin, engaged British forces and their Indian allies in Ontario, decisively defeating them at the Battle of the Thames. The battle cry of "Remember the Raisin!" galvanized support for the war effort throughout the Northwest Territory and across our young nation; and

            Whereas, Legislation pending in Congress, H.R. 6470, the River Raisin National Battlefield Act, would begin the process of establishing the River Raisin National Battlefield Park. This bill would provide for the acquisition of sites relating to this historic event by the Secretary of the Interior. Clearly, this key battle from our nation's beginning has never received appropriate recognition. The creation of this park is long overdue; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress and the President of the United States to enact the River Raisin National Battlefield Act, H.R. 6470; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.