Courtney to Help Send Off U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle for Historic OpSail 2012 Tour

WASHINGTON, DC – Tomorrow at 11 am at Fort Trumbull in New London, Congressman Courtney will join local leaders at Coast Guard officials in a hearty send-off for the Barque Eagle as it joins the OpSail 2012 tour this summer before it returns with the flotilla to New London extravaganza July 6 to 9.

The Congressionally-chartered producer of tall ship events, OpSail is partnering with the U.S. Navy to celebrate the Bicentennial Anniversaries of the War of 1812 the Star-Spangled Banner through a tall ship tour of New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Baltimore, Boston and New London. OpSail2012CT final port of call on July 6-9, 2012 with culminate with an historic event celebrating the rich history of New London, Groton, Stonington and Essex, where historic battles and naval blockades occurred during the War of 1812.

Congressman Courtney will note the importance of tourism to the eastern Connecticut economy and pivotal place OpSail holds on the region's tourism calendar. He will join local leaders in invited the public to experience OpSail2012CT at State Pier, City Pier and Fort Trumbull in New London and Groton, and enjoy food festivals, entertainment, live music, family activities, sailing races, and spectacular fireworks from New London Harbor in July.

WHAT: Courtney to help launch Barque Eagle for Op Sail 2012

WHO: Congressman Joe Courtney

Capt. Eric Jones, Coast Guard Eagle

John S. Johnson, Chairman, OpSail2012CT

State Senator Andrea Stillman

WHEN: Thursday, April 5, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Coast Guard Barque Eagle

Fort Trumbull State Park (pier side)

New London, Connecticut