Visitors to and residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will have an opportunity to learn more about the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s role in the War of 1812, thanks to spending by the government of Canada.
Support was announced in March by Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Peter Penashue on behalf of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore.
“We can be proud of the significant contribution of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the War of 1812,” said Penashue. “The funding announced today will allow people of Newfoundland and Labrador to revisit this historical period and the regiment’s role, and to better understand why this war was a decisive moment in our history.”
Moore added, “Canada would not exist had the American invasion of 1812–1814 not been repelled; for that reason, the War of 1812 was a defining chapter in our history. We invite all Canadians to learn more about this important part of our past and to take part in many of the activities and events that will pay tribute to our heroes.”
With this spending, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment advisory council will help to recreate the important battles of the war and spread awareness throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
The council will also present awards to students related to the regiment’s role in the war.
“We are very appreciative of the financial support for our plans to commemorate the important role of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in the War of 1812,” said Ron Penney, chairman of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment advisory council. “The funding, along with private support, will help us share this history with our own citizens, as well as other Canadians. The present-day Royal Newfoundland Regiment traces its history back to the creation of the original Regiment in 1795.
“We will celebrate our own regimental history and commemorate the War of 1812 and its importance to Canada’s nationhood.”
The government of Canada has provided funding of $99,000 to the advisory council through Canadian Heritage’s War of 1812 commemoration fund. The fund supports community-based projects to foster awareness and understanding among Canadians of the importance of that moment in Canada’s history.
