An upcoming Navy Week event next month in Toledo will have dual purposes: to celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and to inform Toledoans about the Navy and what it does, a top naval officer said during a news conference today.

“This is special this year, because it is a commemoration of an event that is special in our heritage,” Rear Adm. Gregory Nosal, commander of Carrier Strike Group Two based in Norfolk, Va., said in Promenade Park before touring docks and facilities to be used when a flotilla of vessels calls on Toledo from Aug. 23 through Aug. 26.

The War of 1812 is generally under-taught in American history classes, the admiral said, and was a key point in history when the United States established itself as a strong and prosperous nation. The Battle of Lake Erie was pivotal to its outcome and represented “a rebirth of the United States Navy,” he said.

Toledo is one of six Great Lakes cities that will host a Navy Week this year. Visiting Toledo will be the U.S.S. DeWert, the U.S.S. Hurricane, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, the historic U.S. Brig Niagara, and the Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Ville de Quebec.

Events will be held throughout Toledo to mark the occasion, starting Aug. 20, three days before the ships’ ceremonial procession into Toledo Harbor on the 23rd.

First Published July 16, 2012, 3:52 p.m.