Toomey, Casey Introduce Resolutions to Commemorate Battle of Lake Erie Anniversary

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced a resolution in the Senate today to recognize the anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, a pivotal contest in the War of 1812. Bicentennial celebrations to commemorate the battle and its participants will commence this Memorial Day weekend in Erie, Pa.

“I’m proud to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie,” said Sen. Toomey. “This dramatic encounter breathed new life into a damaged American war effort. Contributing in no small way to this victory was the city of Erie, which provided the safe locale, supplies, and muscle necessary to build the victorious fleet in limited time. I thank the city of Erie and the Perry 200 Commemoration Commission for their efforts to ensure the appropriate recognition of this historic event over the course of this summer.”

William P. Garvey, Ph.D., General Co-Chair of the Perry 200 said, “We are grateful that Senator Toomey is advancing a Congressional Proclamation to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie and the wonderful, historic work of the Perry 200 Parade Committee, which has created the finest parade in Erie’s illustrious history.”

The Battle of Lake Erie took place on September 10, 1813. The U.S. Naval Fleet, stationed at Presque Isle Bay, consisted of nine vessels and was under the command of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. The fleet sustained heavy losses and damages during the first two hours of the battle. During this time, Commodore Perry’s flagship, the US Brig Lawrence, was disabled and suffered 80 percent casualties.

Even after the Lawrence was disabled, Commodore Perry refused to surrender. Rather, he courageously boarded a small rowboat, traversed a half-mile through hostile waters, and transferred his command to the U.S. Brig Niagara.

Upon assuming control of the Niagara, Commodore Perry was able to outmaneuver the entire British fleet and forced their subsequent surrender. The victory solidified American control of Lake Erie for the duration of the conflict, enabling U.S. forces to retake Detroit and win further battles in the Old Northwest and the Niagara Valley.

U.S. Senator Bob Casey introduced a Senate resolution honoring the role that Erie played in the War of 1812. Ahead of this weekend’s parade commemorating the role Erie played at a pivotal moment in U.S. history, the resolution notes the region’s unique contribution to the effort.

“Erie played a substantial role in helping the U.S. prevail in the War of 1812,” Senator Casey said. “At this weekend’s parade the entire region will commemorate the Battle of Lake Erie and it’s appropriate that the Senate pause and to recognizes the tremendous sacrifice that the people of Northwestern Pennsylvania made in the War of 1812.”

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947