Harper announces War of 1812 honours during pilgrimage to historic site

ST-PAUL-L’ILE-AUX-NOIX, Que. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited an island near the U.S. border to deliver a 200th anniversary present Friday related to the War of 1812.

He arrived at Fort Lennox, located on an island on the Richelieu River, to pay tribute to military regiments that successfully defended Canada in that war.

Harper announced that battle honours will be awarded to regiments with ties to units that won decisive battles in the war.

One night-time attack was launched against Canadian positions along the nearby Lacolle River in November, 1812.

It involved an invasion force of some 5,000 American military regulars. Harper has said in a statement that Canada’s victory was “a pilotal point in the development of our great country.”

Among the regiments being recognized are: the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Queen’s York Rangers, the Royal Canadian Regiment, the Canadian Grenadier Guards and the Royal 22nd Regiment.

Friday’s event was laden with pomp. A military band played and Harper inspected an honour guard made up of Royal 22nd members — better known as “Van Doos” — in full dress.