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Garrison Ball pays tribute to War of 1812 soldiers

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Anne-Marie Mediwake

It is not very Canadian to brag, we know this, but I figure, look, it’s been almost 200 years. By now we can say it boldly and proudly “We won”.

LGen Peter Devlin

The soldiers that fought in 1812 help define our great land. And, the soldiers at that time are really not that much different than the soldiers of today. They’re proud, they’re confident, they possess what I call “Warrior Spirit”. So, I think that it’s very fitting that this be the first of several events that will pay tribute to 1812.

Hon Peter MacKay

It’s extremely important for our history to recognize the military contributions that really go back even beyond the origins of Canada, and Canada had a military before it was a country. So, this is an extremely important year for all Canadians to reflect on the great contributions of our forefathers and foremothers who helped make this country strong.

Blake Goldring

It’s very important for we Canadians to think about this. In fact, the slogan for the city of Toronto is “The War of 1812, how will you remember?”

Hon David Onley

We tend to think of Toronto in terms of business, banking and media, but most of us aren’t really as aware in a bygone era some 200 years ago it had a very strategic military importance.

Blake Goldring

The city of York was back then had a special significance in the War of 1812 having not once, but twice being invaded by the Americans.

Hon David Onley

The Americans captured Fort York. In retaliation, we Canadians and the British went and burned down the White House. So, it was a tit for tat situation.

Blake Goldring

A lot of people don’t realize how many thousands of lives were lost during the War of 1812. It was a major, major conflict.

Hon David Onley

But, I think the greater significance about the evening and the history is not a celebration of war from 200 year ago, but a recognition that two former enemies now live as peaceful allies and have been allies for a very long time.

As we move forward with bicentennial events, those ceremonies must be seen not as a celebration of war but instead recognition of peace. We will recognize 200 years of peace between peoples who share far, far more than just a common border. We share common values of freedom, democracy and rule of law. These qualities make our countries a refuge for those fleeing tyranny and oppression. And while the issues that define those qualities were argued and debated in countless public squares and town halls and congress and in parliament, they all came with a price. They were all paid for in blood. Reporter : Sgt Allan Wallace
Image Tech : MCpl Dan Pop

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