Ottawa to tread carefully in War of 1812 commemorations

[thundley4]

It’s a sticky question. Exactly how should Canada commemorate the 200th anniversary of a war in which our predecessors repelled an invasion by the United States – now this country’s closest ally and most valued trading partner?

The bicentennial of the War of 1812 is fast approaching. It’s a major formative event in Canada’s history – but like all wars, was wrenching and destructive. Both the White House and early Parliament buildings in Upper Canada were torched during the conflict.

For the Harper government in Ottawa, the approach to this anniversary is nuanced: energetically embracing military exploits and valour during the conflict – standing fast against invaders, for instance – while taking extra care to avoid inciting anti-American sentiment.

The Conservatives are launching a major drive to commemorate the conflict in 2012 and beyond – in keeping with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s penchant for making heroism in Canada’s military history a more important feature of the country’s national identity. The Tories even made an ambitious 1812 observance part of their winning 2011 election platform.

Ottawa’s messaging, though, is carefully crafted to steer Canadians away from chauvinistic jingoism or triumphalism at having repelled the Americans in the long-ago war.

Canada won one.

I say go for it and don't worry about it. Party like it's 1813.

[formerlurker]

Canada won one?   

Did I miss a revisionist memo?    Are they all high up there?   We absolutely will not be offended that the Brits accomplished nothing in the war of 1812.   

Party on Garth.

[docstew]

Go for it, Canada.  It's not like we hold back on the Fourth of July, and GB is (or was, and hopefully will be again) our closest ally.

[formerlurker]

Actually the Brits did accomplish something -- ensured Canada remained a colony for another 100 years.   Much to celebrate.

[marv]

Most Americans think of the War of 1812 as having occured mainly in New Orleans, and won by Kentucky volunteers. That's not all of the history of course, but it's memorable, at least in the US.

Yup! Washington and Ottawa were burned and the Canadiens invaded the US while the US invaded Canada. A fellow by the name of Key wrote a poem that became our national anthem while watching British Congrieve rockets light up the sky around Fort McHenry. But nevermind, that's just meaningless history...

...or is it?

[compaqxp]

I don't see why we should be worried about this, any American hating stuff will be from the same people as it always is.

We should be celebrating the fact we have a competent leader, unlike some countries...... 

[formerlurker]

I don't see why we should be worried about this, any American hating stuff will be from the same people as it always is.

We should be celebrating the fact we have a competent leader, unlike some countries...... 

Hey!!   .......

yeah, I got nothing.    Point to compaqxp.