NIAGARA FALLS —
Almost 200 years after President Madison declared the War of 1812 there is a distinct lack of interest on this side of the border in commemorating that milestone.
At a glance, the federal government in Canada is committing nearly $29 million toward the anniversary for everything from colorful pageants and giant fireworks displays to monuments, themed license plates and new buildings like the addition to the Niagara Falls, Ont., Historical Society.
Meanwhile, on this side of the border where a number of major events unfolded, there is now mostly token recognition — in the words of some historians — of our “Second War of Independence.”
Two New York governors — David A. Paterson and Andrew M. Cuomo — have vetoed any legislation for creating a War of 1812 Commission.
Gov. Cuomo shot down the idea, claiming it would cost the taxpayers $1.4 million. Staunch supporters of the bicentennial plans called the governor’s estimate ridiculous. They point out that the commission could operate with far less funding and, at the same time, open doors to potential grants from the private sector.
For those of little faith in such a pursuit, there are generous sponsors out there, including corporations and foundations, as evidenced by the WNED-TV (Buffalo-Toronto) video, “The War of 1812,” produced for the PBS stations nationwide.
People often ask, “Why was the war fought?” and “Where was it fought?” and, of course, “Why is it important?”
There are numerous reasons that caused the war which our current series will explore.
We should never forget that those battles — no matter the winners — left us with the inspiring story of “Old Iron Sides,” the stirring command, “Don’t Give Up the Ship” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” our national anthem that a young lawyer wrote while watching the American flag flying over Fort McHenry during the legendary Battle of Baltimore.
Perhaps philosopher George Santayana’s advice is worth bearing in mind to this day: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
War of 1812
February 9, 2012
EDITORIAL: U.S. has a lot of catching up to do in War of 1812 bicentennial
- War of 1812
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'Forgotten War' continues on the Niagara Frontier
Maj. Gen. Isaac Brock died on the slopes of Queenston Heights last October. The Village of Lewiston has already been torched. And, in case you missed it, the U.S. and Canada started firing at each other on Jan. 1, 2012.
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Monument to honor Tuscaroras moves forward
It could have become a forgotten moment in the "forgotten war."
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Lewiston's Tuscarora Heroes Monument work continuing as collector's piece is revealed
Sculptor Sue Geissler is hard at work in her Youngstown studio. She's affixing clay to massive molds which will eventually turn into a constant reminder of the past Lewiston will never be able to forget.
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Event brings nearly 200-year-old burning of Lewiston to life
Blood-curdling screams pierced the night air. Flames rose to the sky on Lewiston's Center Street. Musket fire and horns signaled the start and end of a battle the likes no one had ever witnessed.
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Lewiston, Ontario step back into the War of 1812
Although the War of 1812 may loom relatively unimportant in America's memory, the Village of Lewiston is taking giant strides this upcoming weekend to relive that too-often ignored chapter in history.
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Preparing for a big battle in Lewiston
It's shaping up as one of the biggest historical events held on the Niagara Frontier, an all-out and carefully planned re-enactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights.
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Communities mark 'Declaration of War of 1812'
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Castellani opens War of 1812 Bicentennial exhibition
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SLIDESHOW: War of 1812 Cemetery Remembrance
Memorial Day ceremonies at the War of 1812 Cemetery at Fort Niagara State park, sponsored by the Lake Ontario VFW Post #313 in Youngstown.
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Sorting out Laura Secord's War of 1812 role
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of articles to mark the War of 1812 bicentennial and the impact of that conflict on the Niagara Frontier.
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