PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY: Joining in a statewide commemoration planned for each of Ohio's 88 counties on Monday, June 18, Franklin County Commissioners will honor the 200th Anniversary of the beginning of the War of 1812, and mark the start of a variety of events statewide to honor Ohioans who bravely served in the war and to raise awareness today about this important piece of Ohio's history.

A special 15-star flag, also known as the Star Spangled Banner, has been donated to each of Ohio's 88 counties by the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. To mark this occasion in Franklin County, the Commissioners have asked that the Star Spangled Banner be flown all this week in front of the county's Dorrian Commons in Downtown Columbus.

From big battles to small skirmishes across much of the state, the War of 1812 had a lasting impact on Ohio, bringing about the creation of new towns, spurring settlements, and cementing the cultural and geographic boundaries of the Great Lakes region.

To learn more about Ohio's role in the War of 1812 and the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, log on to www.warof1812.ohio.gov.

WHAT: Star Spangled Banner to commemorate start of War of 1812

WHEN: Monday, June 18 through Friday, June 22