QUEENSTON, ON, Oct. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - A special commemorative ceremony was held at the base of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock's Monument to highlight the significance of the Battle of Queenston Heights in the War of 1812 and honour those who fought and fell during the War of 1812. The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada attended this event on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The Friends of Fort George National Historic Park is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the historically significant battle of October 13, 1812, when American forces attacked Queenston Heights and killed Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, leader of the British forces. The three-day commemoration features the work of local artists and historical heritage performers, while encouraging community involvement and participation.
"When American forces attacked Queenston Heights on this day two hundred years ago, the resulting victory made it one of the most historically significant battles to take place during the War," said Minister Nicholson. "This is a great opportunity for us to remember the Canadian heroes who demonstrated bravery and love for our country."
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today."
The Friends of Fort George National Historic Park is an incorporated non-profit organization that was created in 1987 to support Parks Canada for the protection, preservation, development and interpretation of the historical resources and stories of national significance of Niagara National Historic Sites.
The Government of Canada has previously provided funding totalling $97,630 ($8,000 for 2011-12 and $89,630 for 2012-13) to the Friends of Fort George through Canadian Heritage's Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, which provides Canadians with opportunities to become involved in their communities through local arts and heritage.
The Government of Canada has designated October 2012 as a month of commemoration of the heroes and key battles of the War of 1812. Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about this important anniversary.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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