Coin and stamp celebrate a Canadian heroine
By Don Fraser, St. Catharines Standard
Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson and Canada Post representative Tom Creech at a Laura Secord stamp and coin release in Queenston on Friday.
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Laura Secord's expression is pensive and fretful.
She also has gravitas, as if Secord knew her walk would help secure an emerging country.
On Friday, Canada Post released its stamp version of Secord's historic 32-km. walk from Queenston to the DeCew House in Thorold.
Friday's event also included the stamp issue of French Canadian War of 1812 notable Charles de Salaberry — and a Royal Canadian Mint commemorative 25-cent coin release of Secord in its War of 1812 series.
"Laura Secord's selfless efforts should not be forgotten," said Canada Post representative Tom Creech at a Laura Secord Homestead event launching the stamps and coin. "The events of the War of 1812 helped define the territory that would become Canada."
Creech said through her courage and loyalty, Secord "helped halt the powerful and ambitious forces invading our country."
He also described the Secord stamp background as a "forest of summer showing the time of her trek.
"And over a shoulder we see a beaver dam, hinting at the destination of her journey."
Secord said the stamp designer wanted to convey the trial of Secord's mission. "That's why she is shown a bit ruffled, with her hair peeking out from her bonnet," Creech said at the Queenston gathering," he said.
"Secord looks both determined and pleased."
The Canadian heroine made her dangerous trip 200 years ago Saturday to warn British and Aboriginal allies of an impending Niagara attack by American forces.
The advance notice resulted in sufficient preparation to defeat the Americans in the key Battle of Beaver Dams.
Among de Salaberry's contributions was the repulsion of an American advance to Montreal during that same war.
don.fraser@sunmedia.
Twitter: @don_standard
The Laura Secord Commemorative Walk takes place Saturday and sets off from the Laura Secord Homestead in Queenston at 6 a.m.
While the walk is 32 km long, its is divided into five stages, with six waypoints to feature activities and events to celebrate Laura's legacy. Secord Shuttle buses are available to shorten the time commitment.
For more information and to register visit Friends of Laura Secord at www.friendsoflaurasecord.com
The site includes details of other events taking place this weekend.
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