While the American artillery did have a devastating effect, they were unable to overcome the well-coordinated efforts of the British artillery and musketry, or their bayonets. Boyd eventually called a retreat. An event that still resonates in the area But how does one commemorate such an impactful event? “We try to organize a large scale re-enactment every two to three years,” stated Irvine. “Our last big one was in 2013, where we celebrated the 200 th anniversary of the battle.” On July 9 and 10 at 1:30 p.m., the big, empty and well-kept fields of the provincially owned land that surrounds the now underwater battleground will resonate once more with the sound of musket fire and cannon shots. “We’re going to have around 200 to 300 re-enactors,” said the past president, as he installed signs announcing the event. “They use real gunpowder. You can smell it in the air during the battle.” It’s in a small field next to the giant hill housing the Battle of Crysler’s Farm monument that groups of Canadian and American soldiers will once more fight. Yet, there isn’t as much animosity this time around. “We give them two breakfasts, a supper and all the water they want. There’s a lot of friendship built during these sorts of events.” Prior to the battle, re-enactors camp in
the surrounding areas, much like period soldiers.They have small tents and are given firewood. “It’s very neat to see. They really get into their roles before the event. They even sleep in separate camps.” The re-enactment attracts around 2,000 to 3,000 visitors, much to the delight of The Friends of the Battle of Crysler’s Farm. “We just want to let people know about what happened here and why it’s important.” But several visitors to the sacred battleground are quite surprised when they learn that the big hill overlooking the St. Lawrence as well as the surrounding lands weren’t used during the battle. “The actual fighting took place in a spot now located under the St. Lawrence,” explained Irvine. “It was flooded during the Seaway project. The monument was actually down there.” The massive obelisk was moved to its current emplacement and is surrounded by two period British cannons, pointed in the direction of the United States. “A lot of people don’t realize that the land that was used to make the hill came from the battleground,” he said, smiling. While doing so, workers found musket balls, cannon balls and even remains. The battle’s artifacts were moved to museums, whereas the bones of the fallen fighters were placed under the monument, a fitting final rest for the deserving soldiers.
Past President of The Friends of the Battle of Crysler Bob Irvine poses proudly with a sign announcing the upcoming Battle of Crysler’s Farm re-enactment. “We try to organize a large scale re-enactment every two to three years,” explained Irvine. “Our last big one was in 2013, where we celebrated the 200 th anniversary of the battle.” — photo Francis Racine
Cet investissement dans l’innovation et l’amélioration de l’accès aux soins de santé dont ils ont besoin, pour tous les habitants de l’Ontario, signifie : • 700 nouveaux docteurs et spécialistes • 35 hôpitaux actuellement en voie de rénovation, de modernisation ou d’expansion • 250 millions de dollars investis dans les soins à domicile et en milieu communautaire • 345 millions de dollars investis pour réduire les temps d’attente et améliorer l’accès aux soins
Cette année, le financement de notre système de santé va augmenter de plus d’un milliard de dollars.
Pour un système de soins de santé vigoureux aujourd’hui et demain.
ontario.ca/meilleurssoins
Payé par le gouvernement de l’Ontario
The Journal Cornwall
7
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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