Lt. Gov. kicks off 1812 celebrationsBy SHAWN JEFFORDS Standard StaffUpdated 17 hours agoNIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE -- The kick-off of bicentennial celebrations of the War of 1812 commemorate 200 years of peace between two great nations, not the bloody conflict itself.So says Ontario's Lt. Gov. David Onley who hosted a New Year's Day Levee at Fort George. The Queen's representative in Ontario, told a crowd of hundreds packed into a large tent on the fort's grounds that it's important to remember the conflict and recognize its historic link to the Niagara Region."New Year's Day 200 years ago events were already in motion that would change our nation forever," he said after a series of toasts to the Queen, the US president and Canada's armed forces.The Lieutenant Governor hosts a levee every year and said he knew two years ago that he wanted to move the celebration out of Toronto to Fort George to celebrate the bicentennial. "In effect, we are launching the bicentennial of the War of 1812 today," he told the crowd.The levee featured people dressed in period costume, performances by a fife and drum band and the traditional booming cannon salute. Onley told the crowd that the conflict marked the beginning of Canada's proud military history. But the resolution
 of the war and subsequent long peace also underscores the importance of the relationship between the Canada and the United States, he said."Peace is truly attainable to people of goodwill," he said.Jarred Picher, acting field unit superintendent for Parks Canada, said the event was a great way to start bicentennial celebrations which will take place over the next two years at more than 20 War of 1812 historic sites. "For Parks Canada, this is about raising awareness for the national treasures we're here to protect," he said. "Fort George is going to be one of the flagship historic sites for the bicentennial and we look forward to greeting as many guests and visitors as we can."Picher said he was impressed by the large turnout, who braved cold rains and high winds to attend the levee. "I'm overwhelmed by the number of people who've come out," he said. "It's a testament to the Lieutenant Governor I think."Picher said the bicentennial will connect a whole new generation of Canadians to the history of the War of 1812."Even if history isn't your interest, being Canadian is something we're all proud of and for Canadians to connect to the places and the stories and the people that helped shape this great nation, you can't ask for anything more profound than that."Robert Andree made the trip to the fort from Wellandport Sunday. The history buff said it's important to commemorate the conflict."I find it all very interesting," he said. "Canadians should know more about our history."Levees date back to the 18th century and were brought to Canada by the Royal Governor of New France who would sit on his doorstep New Year's Day-morning to greet citizens.The Lincoln and Welland Regiment and 10th Battery, 56th Field Regiment also hosted a New Year's Levee Sunday. They opened the doors of the Lake Street Armoury to the public and helped usher in the new year with some help from local politicians. "The goal of the day is to connect with the community," said Lt. Col Allan Stoyka. The festivities are just that much more important as the people begin to celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The regiments all fought in battles during the conflict."As Canadians we're shy when it comes to talking about our heritage," he said. "But it's one of the common things we share as a people ... and it's good to celebrate that connection to the past."10th Battery commander Capt. Jim Hill said the levee acts as a reunion for current members of the service and veterans who have moved on. "It's a great old tradition and it's good to have everyone home," he said.sjeffords@stcatharinesstandard.ca