Our Great Battle With Canada.....

Recently, the Cavalier's playoff series with the Toronto Raptors provided a reminder of the friendly rivalry that exists between our two countries. I think Canada is great. I always love to visit. It's beautiful, and there's plenty of good things to do there. It's hard to believe there was a time when we were at war, and a very interesting battle took place. I'll try to tell that story.

JetBoat dock in Lewiston. Canada on opposite shore.

Lewistown, New York today is a charming little village on the banks of the Niagara River, only a few miles from the falls. It has maybe 2 traffic lights, Lots of little shops, good places to eat and drink, and even a trendy resort/spa. The two best things about Lewiston today are the Artpark; a concert venue, and it's the home dock for the fabulous Whirlpool Jetboat Tours of the Niagara River. But it actually has an important part of our nations history.

Let's go back to the night of October 13, 1812. Before Lewiston had those two traffic lights, it was part of the first major battle of the War of 1812. The story goes something like this: American soldiers got into boats and invaded the Canadian side, called Queenston Heights. They were supported by artillery cannon fired from the present day resort/spa. The Americans, led by General Vann Renssealaler, were initially successful. America had a foothold in Canada. But all the ruckus woke up British General Brock. He rallied his troops to begin the defense of Queenston Heights. As the battle intensified, the call went back across the river for American reinforcements.

Now the American reinforcements were supposedly stationed at the Hustler's Tavern in Lewiston. Legend has it that the "cocktail" was invented at the Hustler's Tavern. The troops were probably enjoying martinis, or margaritas, or whatever. So when the call came for them to join the battle, they replied, "No thanks, we're good!" They refused to go.

General Brock's monument still watches America.

Without reinforcements, the American invasion was repulsed and driven back. British General Brock was actually killed in this battle. Today he has a tall monument, clearly visible from the American side in his honor. Many Canadians believe that if it wasn't for General Brock's leadership, Canada would be part of America today, and not an independent nation.

Re-enactors today.

In retribution, the British invaded Lewiston, and burned most of it down. They spared the Huster's Tavern, of course. So America lost that battle, but won the war. A re-enactment of the battle is done in Lewiston every fall. I always thought it would be cool to go and yell witty insults at the British. "Go home and have a Molson's you hosers! Eh?"

It's just a reminder that history can change on a shot. Or a few shots at a tavern.






MEMORIAL DAY: This weekend, while you are enjoying cookouts, festivals, and good weather; take time to remember. Remember the true reason for Memorial Day. The brave men and women that paid the ultimate price while serving our country. I guess that would include those in the Battle of Lewiston/Queenston Heights. But for the most part, these were young people that never got to live their life to the fullest intended. Instead, they have provided us all with the ability to enjoy the cookouts, and festivals that we enjoy in our country this weekend. I have been blessed never to have been put in that position. But I deeply appreciate those that have served in the past, and will in the future. God bless you, And God bless America.

Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day. Remember our heroes.