A Year of Celebration for Brock and the War of 1812

Posted October 22, 2013  by THE BROCK PRESS Source

This month Brock University hosted a number of events to commemorate the life and death of its namesake.

On Friday, Oct. 11, the campus hosted an event to honour the death of Sir Isaac Brock. Three shots were fired during the morning ceremony in commemoration.

Guests included members from the Friends of Fort George 41st Regiment of Foot Fife and Drum Corps, Lincoln and Welland Regiment, Second Lincoln Militia and Old Fort Erie Iroquois re-enactors.

As in past years, War of 1812 re-enactors from Fort George carried out the ceremony which proceeded from east campus to the Schmon Tower lawn, where a three-volley salute was given and flags were lowered. Sir Maj.-Gen. Isaac Brock died at Queenston heights on October 13, 1812.

This was followed by a commemorative service on Oct. 13 hosted by the Friends of Fort George to honour those who gave their lives at Queenston heights two centuries ago.

Earlier this year in June it was announced that Brock would further honour its namesake past annual commemorative ceremonies by commissioning a bronze sculpture in his likeness. Designed by Canadian artist Danek Mozdzenski, the sculpture will stand on campus at Brock in front of the Schmon tower, 15 feet in height. The piece is set to be unveiled in May 2014 as a major event in launching Brock’s 50th anniversary year. The $1 million cost has been generously covered by local businessman David S. Howes, a veteran supporter and member of the Brock community and former chair of its Board of Trustees.

Also, in efforts to further recognize the significance of the War of 1812, Brock received a $90,000 donation from the federal Ministry of Canadian Heritage’s 1812 Commemoration Fund to develop a War of 1812 exhibit at the St. Catharines Museum. The exhibit opened on Oct. 4 and will be on display until December. Stated on their web site, “’War of 1812’ captures the fears and worries of life in an occupied land, with battles raging close to home, and how the conflict shaped the community’s growth”.