The state Legislature recently passed legislation to create a commission that will plan events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

The bill, which was sponsored in the Senate by Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, now awaits a signature from Gov. David A. Paterson. Assemblywomen Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur, and Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, co-sponsored the Assembly bill.

"New York played a central role in the War of 1812 and our region saw as much or more combat than any other region in North America. Yet, in the two centuries since, the United States and Canada have built a strong friendship between the neighboring nations," Mr. Aubertine said in a prepared statement. "In commemorating the anniversary of this war, we celebrate the peace that has brought with it much prosperity."

The commission's events likely will highlight many of the war's "front line" sites, including those in Sackets Harbor, Morristown, Ogdensburg, Sandy Creek and Oswego.

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