Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin also will be used for coin toss at Ravens season home opener.
Baltimore, MD (September 10, 2012) On the heels of their success in the London 2012 Olympic Games, Michael Phelps and other Olympic athletes from Maryland including Katie Ledecky of Bethesda and Suzanne Stettinius of Parkton will be presented with a Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin at a celebration Monday at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Gov. Martin O’Malley, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Olympian Michael Phelps will speak at the ceremony, while the names of all of the Maryland Olympians as well as the Paralympians will be read during the event. Following remarks, Gov. O’Malley will bestow silver Star-Spangled Coins on each of the athletes in attendance in honor of their hard work and determination at the Olympic Games.
“Our Maryland Olympians’ resolve to work hard, train and excel embodies the spirit of our state,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “It’s only fitting that we honor them with these 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins, which pay tribute to Maryland’s vibrant people and extraordinary history.”
In addition, the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin will be used for the coin toss at the Baltimore Ravens’ season home opener on Monday night at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
“As we celebrate a variety of sports on Monday, the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin will serve as a symbol to our local athletes of Maryland’s historic tie in defending our freedom during the War of 1812,” said Ann Beegle, executive director of Star-Spangled 200 Inc., the non-profit affiliate of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. “Baltimore is home to the Star-Spangled Banner and we are pleased to recognize these athletes’ dedication with a historic symbol of our state.”
The 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins, created in honor of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, exemplify the Star-Spangled Banner flag and anthem, two of America’s most enduring icons. Coin sales will continue through December 17 and are only available through the United States Mint. The Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative coins can be purchased through the United States Mint website, at United States Mint kiosks in Washington, DC (Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE and United States Mint Sales Counter, 801 9th Street, NW)and at the Baltimore Visitor Center located at 401 Light St. Baltimore, MD 21202.
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About Star-Spangled 200, Inc.
Star-Spangled 200, Inc. is the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the fundraising goals of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and is charged with helping to ensure the realization of successful programs, events, and community investment during the three-year commemoration period. For more information: visit www.starspangled200.com.
About the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission
Established by Governor Martin O’Malley, the commission is staffed by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Division of Tourism Film and the Arts. The bicentennial period runs from June 2012 through February 2015. It commemorates Maryland’s unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation, including the pivotal battle that led to an American victory and the birth of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” For more information: visit www.starspangled200.org.