Video

Video by Niki Gentry, Maj. Randy Harris

Tennessee National Guard Participates in 200th Battle of New Orleans Anniversary Ceremonies

Tennessee National Guard Joint Public Affairs Office

Jan. 8, 2015 | 3:01

Hundreds of people were in attendance as the Tennessee National Guard took part in two separate ceremonies commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, fought between American and British troops on January 8th, 1815.

Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee's Adjutant General, joined Governor Bill Haslam, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Debby Patterson Coch, Regent of the Andrew Jackson Foundation in commemorating the 200th Anniversary by placing a wreath at the statue of Andrew Jackson on the grounds of the Capitol. New Orleans was the final major battle of the War of 1812 and secured victory for the Americans. The decisive American victory at New Orleans restored American confidence in their new republic after the burning of Washington and other defeats in the war. It made Jackson a popular hero and set the stage for him to be elected as the first populist president.

Later, Maj. Gen. Haston and members of the Tennessee Army National Guard were a part of another ceremony at The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson.

Featured speakers were Maj. Gen. Haston, Mara Liasson, a national political correspondent for National Public Radio and Jackson Foundation member and Dr. H. W. Brands, renowned historian and author.

The ceremony concluded with an attendee processional to the tomb of President Jackson and his beloved wife Rachael where commemorative wreaths were laid by members of the Andrew Jackson Foundation.