GLYNN: Cannon fire to open War of 1812 events

THE NIAGARA GAZETTE
December 28, 2011



COLUMN BY DON GLYNN — The cannons will boom at Fort George and Fort Niagara on New Year’s Day — a salute to peace between the two nations — to mark the first event for the War of 1812 Bicentennial.

Ontario Lieutenant Gov. David C. Onley will be host of what is known as a Levee at the Fort George National Historic Site that will be open to the public Sunday from 1-4 p.m. A cannon firing to signal the official start of the year-long events is set for 3 p.m.

Old Fort Niagara, across the river, will return the salute. The fort will be closed that day but plans have been made to fire the cannon.

The two forts had key roles in the conflict that some historians call the second war of independence. Fought on several fronts, including the Niagara area, it lasted 2 1/2 years before ending with the Treaty of Ghent in 1815.

Visitors will be invited to tour the Fort George buildings, watch the military and music demonstrations, and ask staffers at the fort about its history and role in the War of 1812.

Onley will be joined by Niagara Regional Chairman Gary Burroughs, the town’s Lord Mayor David Eke and local officials from communities on both sides of the border.

 With many local government officials on the U.S. taking their oath of office  Jan. 1 — a tradition not observed that day in Canada — some will be unable to attend the Fort George program. Light refreshments will be served and the Fort George Fife & Drum Corps will perform.

Brian Merrett, chief executive officer of the 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council, said Wednesday that upwards of 1,000 people are expected for the signature event.

“This will be a toast to our continued prosperity and the start of celebrating 200 years of peace between nations, since the conflict of the War of 1812,” Merrett said.

The lieutenant governor’s levee originated during the 18th century reign of King Louis XVI. The Royal Governor of New France, who brought the tradition to Canada, would sit on the doorstep of his Quebec residence on New Year’s Day to greet the citizens and usher in the new year.  

The inaugural event is a collaborative partnership between the Friends of Fort George, Parks Canada, Niagara Region, Niagara-on-the-Lake Bicentennial Committee and the Town of Niagara-on-the -Lake.