War of 1812 Bicentennial - a matter of National Pride

Over the past several weeks, promises and explanations of past events will be the focus of attention on the nation. I finished writing the below letter just as the election was call and wasn’t sure whether I should send this in or not. However, I decided that the issue was far too important and this is perhaps the perfect time for all of the candidates to speak up and guarantee and not just promise, their support to help celebrate the upcoming War of 1812 Bicentennial.

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A recent article quotes the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) saying that the federal government should not get carried away with the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812. Apparently their comments were made on the unconfirmed announcement that the federal government would be funding $100 million towards this event. CTF’s website amongst other things, indicate that their mandate is “to advocate the common interest of taxpayers”. However, I was rather disappointed to read CTF’s rather negative position on a once in a life time moment. It would appear that the CTF may have overlooked one of the lesser known common interests of taxpayers, that is National Pride. What was the War of 1812? What was accomplished? Is it worth the attention of Canadians? Most people know very little of this war and for that it has been called the Forgotten War. So why celebrate the War of 1812? For some, there is the thought that we want to celebrate a war and wonder why anyone would want to honour a terrible consequence of human nature. For others there is the thought that we are trying to commemorate the efforts of a foreign war between the British and the Americans. And I suppose there are some who don’t see the point of dedicating time to something that most people barely remember and that happened so long ago. However would it not be more profound if we were celebrating 200 years of peace and paying a proper if not all together forgotten tribute to those who gave peace to us. The War of 1812 was a terrible time for ordinary Canadians that taxed them to their limits and beyond. And yet they refused to submit to an overwhelming force. Canadian’s realised that they did not share the political belief that American’s held, beliefs that we still hold to today. Citizens of the United States are reminded everyday of the War of 1812 with some of the most vivid world renowned icons, the White House and the Star Spangled Banner. We may not have such icons to behold, but on Dec. 24, 1814, when peace was declared, a defining moment in Canadian history happened. With the help of Britain and their native allies, and after defending their home for 3 years, Canadians discovered their own unique identity and wanted to become a nation. CTF doesn’t feel that the War of 1812 Bicentennial is worth the taxpayer’s involvement. If we follow this path to forget our past then the sacrifices made by those early Canadians and the reason Canada became a separate nation will have been lost. Perhaps, we should ask ourselves, why do we wish to be a Canadian; or why did so many people wish to come to Canada; and why do many tourist when not in Canada let others think they are a Canadian? What is so unique about Canada that we unknowingly take for granted that others want? As a once in lifetime event, the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 is a worthy enough event. It will promote national awareness and pride, and due remembrance to something that actually happened here in our own backyard. Without the Government of Canada leading the way to promote public awareness, any celebration will remain at the local level and the War of 1812 will pass from Forgotten War to the Not Worth The Bother War. The time is almost upon us, and yes much planning is underway that will present not only re-enactments, but more importantly commemorations, dedications, remembrance, and a discovery of our past that will re-kindle our National Pride. CTF is cautioning restraint with regards to any War of 1812 celebration. This is the wrong thing to do and hopefully they will reconsider on reading this. We have an opportunity here to reverse the trend to forget our past. Now is the time for all political parties throughout Canada, the provinces and territories to help Canadians rediscover their heritage. I challenge the Prime Minister and the leaders of each of the opposition parties to stand together today, not tomorrow, and make that commitment that the War of 1812 Bicentennial is a National Heritage event of significant importance and will provide guidance and funding in support of this. John Sek Fort Erie, Ontario

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