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LAURA'S LEGACY: This painting depicts Laura Secord's meeting with
Fitzgibbon. The painting is from the National Archives of Canada and
belongs to the Estate of Lorne K. Smith
Federal government
honours Laura Secord
Queenston, Ont. -- The Government of Canada commemorated the
national historic significance of Laura Secord. A Historic Sites and
Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) was unveiled in May 2006 on behalf
of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister
responsible for Parks Canada, by the Honourable Robert Nicholson, Leader
of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic
Reform.
"Laura Secord's valiant contribution to Upper Canada's defence during the
War of 1812 is immeasurable," said Minister Ambrose. "The
commemoration of her heroism will offer Canadians new opportunities to
appreciate and learn about her story, and to be inspired by her fortitude
and bravery."
In 1813, during the War of 1812, Laura overheard plans for an American
attack at Beaver Dams. With her husband James Secord unable to make
the journey owing to a wound he suffered in the Battle of Queenston
Heights early in the war, Laura resolved to take this information to the
British. Setting out at dawn on June 22, she walked cross-country and
alone for 32 kilometres through dangerous, occupied territory. Overcoming
exceedingly hot temperatures and wild, unsettled land, she reached the
De Cew farmhouse in time to alert the officer in charge, Lieutenant James
FitzGibbon, of the pending attack. Her information proved to be vital, and
on June 24 the Americans were ambushed by British forces.
Until their lives were shattered by the War of 1812, James and Laura
Secord lived a relatively typical existence, raising a family of seven. Laura
Ingersoll had moved to Upper Canada from Massachusetts with her father
and siblings in 1795 and settled in the Niagara Peninsula. Two years later,
she married James Secord and moved to Queenston, a small settlement
close to the American border. James, wounded early in the War of 1812,
was rescued from the battlefield by Laura. He never fully recovered from
his wounds.
"Today's designation will heighten our awareness of Laura Secord and
highlight the many contributions women have made to our great nation,"
stated Minister Nicholson. "Canada's new government is building a strong
and united Canada, and commemorating the great people and places in
our nation's history serves to remind us of a common heritage – a proud
heritage that acts to unite us and inspire us."
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic
significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's
history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official
recognition of historic value. It is one means of informing the public about
the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present
and future generations. (May 25, 2006)
Fitzgibbon. The painting is from the National Archives of Canada and
belongs to the Estate of Lorne K. Smith
Federal government
honours Laura Secord
Queenston, Ont. -- The Government of Canada commemorated the
national historic significance of Laura Secord. A Historic Sites and
Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) was unveiled in May 2006 on behalf
of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister
responsible for Parks Canada, by the Honourable Robert Nicholson, Leader
of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic
Reform.
"Laura Secord's valiant contribution to Upper Canada's defence during the
War of 1812 is immeasurable," said Minister Ambrose. "The
commemoration of her heroism will offer Canadians new opportunities to
appreciate and learn about her story, and to be inspired by her fortitude
and bravery."
In 1813, during the War of 1812, Laura overheard plans for an American
attack at Beaver Dams. With her husband James Secord unable to make
the journey owing to a wound he suffered in the Battle of Queenston
Heights early in the war, Laura resolved to take this information to the
British. Setting out at dawn on June 22, she walked cross-country and
alone for 32 kilometres through dangerous, occupied territory. Overcoming
exceedingly hot temperatures and wild, unsettled land, she reached the
De Cew farmhouse in time to alert the officer in charge, Lieutenant James
FitzGibbon, of the pending attack. Her information proved to be vital, and
on June 24 the Americans were ambushed by British forces.
Until their lives were shattered by the War of 1812, James and Laura
Secord lived a relatively typical existence, raising a family of seven. Laura
Ingersoll had moved to Upper Canada from Massachusetts with her father
and siblings in 1795 and settled in the Niagara Peninsula. Two years later,
she married James Secord and moved to Queenston, a small settlement
close to the American border. James, wounded early in the War of 1812,
was rescued from the battlefield by Laura. He never fully recovered from
his wounds.
"Today's designation will heighten our awareness of Laura Secord and
highlight the many contributions women have made to our great nation,"
stated Minister Nicholson. "Canada's new government is building a strong
and united Canada, and commemorating the great people and places in
our nation's history serves to remind us of a common heritage – a proud
heritage that acts to unite us and inspire us."
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic
significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's
history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official
recognition of historic value. It is one means of informing the public about
the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present
and future generations. (May 25, 2006)