STAR-SPANGLED BANNER FLAGS
AVAILABLE FROM MARYLAND
SMALL BUSINESS

Three nonprofits to Receive Percentage of Proceeds

Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee Launched

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD (November 8) - In time for Veteran's Day,Marylanders can now purchase commemorative 15-star, 15-stripe American flags - replicas of the Star-Spangled Banner that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem following the all-night British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814.

The U.S.A. made flags - featuring the official Star-Spangled 200 bicentennial logo - are available through Maryland small business F. W. Haxel Flag Co. in two versions: a printed nylon flag ($20); and a limited-edition, sewn nylon flag with appliqued stars ($73.50).Proceeds benefit three nonprofit (501c3) organizations: The American Flag Foundation, Friends of Fort McHenry and The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House.

Today Harford County Executive David Craig, Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty, and Cecil County Commissioner President Jim Mullin joined representatives from the three non-profits and veterans groups at F.W. Haxel Flag Co. to recognize the partners and to announce the formation of the Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee.

"The Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee will work to educate, engage, and celebrate the area's 1812 heritage during Maryland's statewide bicentennial commemoration," said Harford County Executive David Craig. Cecil County Commissioner President Jim Mullin echoed those remarks, adding, "the Upper Bay played an important role in our country's second war with England, and our committee efforts will allow us to share that history with locals and visitors alike."

"It's exciting tobe here today at our own F.W. Haxel Flag Co.," said Mayor Wayne Dougherty, "The purchase of a commemorative flag supports the bicentennial and a Maryland small business with a location in Havre de Grace.".

"Marylanders are likely to become more aware of the upcoming War of 1812 bicentennial as these flags enter the marketplace," said Bill Pencek, executive director of the Maryland War of 1812 Commission. "And, three institutions dedicated to preserving the legacy of the iconic Star-Spangled Banner - one of Maryland's greatest contributions to the nation's heritage - will receive assistance in advancing their missions." To purchase flags, visit F.W. Haxel Flag Co.'s web site: www.fwhaxel.com.

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About F.W. Haxel Flag Co.

The Haxel family has owned and operated this Maryland business since 1935. As one of the largest companies of its kind on the East Coast, F.W. Haxel designs, manufactures, and installs custom-made banners, flags and signs. For more information, visit: www.fwhaxel.com.

About The American Flag Foundation

Formerly known as the National Flag Day Foundation, this nonprofit develops educational materials and arranges events in communities across the nation to encourage patriotism and appreciation for the American flag. Two of its events are the annual "National Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance" on Flag Day and the Traveling Living American Flag program. The foundation was chartered in 1982. For more information, visit: www.americanflagfoundation.org.

About the Friends of Fort McHenry

Founded in 1984, Friends of Fort McHenry - in partnership with the National Park Service - supports educational programming, living-history activities and interpretive exhibits that promote an understanding and appreciation of Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the National Anthem. For more information, visit: www.friendsoffortmchenry.org.

About The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

Built in 1793, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House was the home and place of business of Mary Pickersgill, maker of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the British attack in 1814. Today, it is a living-history museum that offers a view of American life during the early 19th century. For more information, visit: www.flaghouse.org.

About the Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee

The Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee is comprised of representatives from Harford and Cecil counties and focuses on the region's War of 1812 bicentennial plans. Stakeholders from across the region are working on interpretation, a website, a trail guide, a map of the region, and a geocache trail.

Organizations represented on the Upper Bay War of 1812 Steering Committee include:

• Government entities: Harford County, Cecil County, Havre de Grace, Perryville, Charlestown, and Elkton.
• Museums and attractions: Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, Concord Point Lighthouse, Lock House Museum, Mt. Harmon Plantation, LSHG, Principio Furnace, Elk Landing, Historical Society of Cecil County, Cecil County Heritage Troop, Hays-Heighe House, and Rodgers Tavern.
• Partners: Aberdeen Proving Ground and the National Park Service.

About Star-Spangled 200, Inc.

Star-Spangled 200, Inc. is the not-for-profit 501(c)3 entity that supports the fundraising goals of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. Established in September 2010, Star-Spangled 200, Inc. is charged with educating the public through celebration and commemoration of the historical events of the War of 1812 by supporting the charitable and educational activities of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. For more information and to support the fundraising efforts, visit www.starspangled200.com.

About the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

The Commission was established by Governor Martin O'Malley under Executive Order and is staffed by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Division of Tourism Film and the Arts. The bicentennial period is June 2012 through February 2015. The Commission is planning a multi-year cultural tourism and educational initiative to commemorate Maryland's unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation including the pivotal clash that ensured American victory, an iconic flag, and our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. For more information, visit www.starspangled200.org.