Celebrations Commemorating the Declaration of War of 1812

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, attended events commemorating the bicentennial of the declaration of the War of 1812, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, on Saturday, June 16,2012.Upon his arrival on the historic battlefield of Queenston Heights, the Governor General was welcomed by His Worship Dave Eke, Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

A discussion with His Excellency and Parks Canada interpretive guides on the importance of the War of 1812 today took place in the officer's quarters.

He also toured the powder magazine, the oldest surviving military building in Ontario.

Fort George was completed and served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army during the War of 1812.During his visit, the Governor General toured the soldiers’ barracks.

His Excellency visited the Fort George National Historic Site of Canada, which was constructed across the Niagara River by the British Army to protect their interests in Upper Canada.

The trail connects Queenston Heights and Fort George, and winds itself along the entire Niagara River corridor from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Constructed in 1986, this 53-kilometre trail is managed by the NPC and is linked to the Trans Canada Trail, of which His Excellency is patron. This trail follows what was once considered the front lines between Canadian, British and American forces and their Aboriginal allies during the War of 1812.

His Excellency cycled 12 kilometres from the Laura Secord Homestead to Fort George on the Niagara River Recreation Trail, with volunteers and cycling enthusiasts from the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) and the Trans Canada Trail.

While in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Governor General also visited the residence of Canadian heroine Laura Secord.

Laura Secord played an important role in the War of 1812. She walked 32 kilometres to warn the British Army of an imminent American attack in June of 1813.

The event was open to the public.

His Excellency stopped by the Heritage Fair to see various cultural performances and meet with merchants dressed in period costume who will be showcasing artefacts and replicas from the era of the War of 1812.

The Governor General then visited Brock’s Monument, a 56-metre column dedicated to Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, one of Canada’s heroes of the War of 1812, who died during the Battle of Queenston Heights. He was joined by Nathaniel Metherel Supervisor and Costume Interpreter the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and His Worship Dave Eke, Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

His Excellency attended the opening ceremonies hosted by the Niagara 1812 Legacy Council. The ceremony launched over 1 000 days of commemorations across the region. As commander-in-chief of Canada, His Excellency inspected a guard of honour and delivered a speech.

The visit concluded with a performance by the Fife Drum Corps of the 41st Regiment and with the firing of the brass six-pounder field gun.