Curtis: Why commemorate the War of 1812?

By: /
24 October, 2011
By: John Curtis
Adjunct Professor at Queen's University and Chair of Statistics Canada's Advisory Committee on International Trade Statistics

As a continuing element of highlighting Canadian history, be it of people (eg. the Famous Five), legislative events (the Diefenbaker Bill of Rights or the Trudeau Charter), or military matters (such as the War of 1812), this celebratory noting of the War is fine. None of these commemorations should glorify any one theme (the military, gender equality, etc); it should be balanced and not given over to myths as in the US, England, Nazi Germany…South Africa, for example, has done a wonderful job in how it treats the Mandela legacy….his strenths, weaknesses, victories, and failures….a very good example of history as it should be told and celebrated.

Before you click away, we’d like to ask you for a favour … 

 

Open Canada is published by the Canadian International Council, but that’s only the beginning of what the CIC does. Through its research and live events hosted by its 18 branches across the country, the CIC is dedicated to engaging Canadians from all walks of life in an ongoing conversation about Canada’s place in the world.

By becoming a member, you’ll be joining a community of Canadians who seek to shape Canada’s role in the world, and you’ll help Open Canada continue to publish thoughtful and provocative reporting and analysis.

Join us