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Remarks at the Chalmette Battlefield Commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans, January 8, 2025

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen.

 

My name is Betty Calzada. I am on the Board of the Daughters of the British Empire, and also the Denis de La Ronde Preservation Corporation, which I co-founded in 2015 with Jane Caruso.

 

Thank you all so very much for inviting me to be here today to take part in this moving ceremony to honour the fallen of both our great countries.

 

I have the honour to be an American citizen, but I was born and raised in England, where I lived until my mid-twenties. I am here to speak for the 289 British soldiers who lost their lives in battle in 1815, and the nearly 2,000 who were wounded.The Scottish regiment the 93rd Highlanders were a large part of the British force, and incurred particularly heavy losses, with nearly 600 either killed or wounded. In laying these wreaths, we remember all of those brave men on both sides of the battle who lost their lives, as well as those who suffered injuries, in the last war ever fought between the United States and Great Britain.

 

Since that time, our two countries have maintained an unwavering partnership and friendship, in peacetime and in wars, based on many things, including shared cultural values and a - more or less – common language. It is one constant in a turbulent and unsettled world.

 

We British descendants are forever grateful to you here in the US and particularly to the The Daughters of 1812, the citizens of St. Bernard Parish and the National Park Service for restoring and maintaining this battlefield so that we may always remember. Thank you.

The Response from the Park Service . . .

Dear President Jane Caruso-

 

I extend my gratitude for your attendance and Treasurer Calzada’s speaking remarks. Having representatives present from both sides of a historic conflict at a battlefield is rare. Your role in demonstrating the enduring friendship and alliance with Great Britian adds depth to our event. It continues to remind us that the lessons of history are not just found in conflict but in the ways, we come together to honor, reconcile, and build upon our shared past.We look forward collaborating with you in preserving and honoring our collective history.

 

Office of the Superintendent

Jean Lafitte NHP&P / New Orleans Jazz NHP

419 Decatur StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130

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