With political tensions rising between Canada and the United States, it may be the perfect time for Niagara-on-the-Lake to call upon a woman who Canadian history remembers for helping to thwart a surprise American attack against British troops in Queenston — Laura Secord.
Caroline McCormick is president of the Friends of Laura Secord and the great-great-great granddaughter of Secord herself.
When she first moved to NOTL around 2011, McCormick took the reigns to honour Laura Secord during War of 1812 commemorations.
“As a direct descendent of Laura Secord, I felt that I had the burden of taking some plans on,” she said
Now, having established the Laura Secord Legacy Trail and building the First Nations Peace Monument at the terminus of the trail, the Friends of Laura Secord are continuing to keep Secord’s story alive.
Secord, who lived in Queenston for several years, is famous for her dedication during the War of 1812 to those fighting on the side of what would become Canada, walking more than 30 kilometres to warn British troops of an American invasion planned for what was then known as Upper Canada.
Because of her warning, the Americans lost the Battle of Beaver Dams in June 1813 — they were ambushed by Kanyenkehaka (Mohawk) and other Indigenous warriors and surrendered to British troops, led by Lt. James FitzGibbon.
“She walked to defend her country,” McCormick said.
After hearing world of annexation threats from President Donald Trump, the organization brainstormed ways to use Secord’s story to move Canadians to stay strong and do what they can, McCormick said.
“It made us think, ‘Oh, we’re going to have to resurrect Laura Secord to help defend this country once again,'” she said in an interview.
“What she represents and what she did is so significant in today’s world.”
The annual Laura Secord Walk, likely slated for June this year, may have more of a focus this year, McCormick said.
“We’ve been having discussions with our organization of how we can hopefully use Laura Secord to inspire others.”
Secord’s story is not only relevant to international politics but also to modern feminism, McCormick said.
She related Secord’s bravery to International Women’s Day, citing her walk as an effort that changed the course of Canadian history.
Secord helped set the stage for Confederation and establish context for the accomplishments of Canadian women today, McCormick said.
“I hear from young girls writing to me to say, ‘I love Laura Secord, what she did was so courageous,’” she said.
“What she represents is courage and determination, fortitude and perseverance, going the extra mile for what is important.”
Step by step, young women, too, can make a difference, McCormick said.
“It’s time for her to inspire people to go the extra mile for our country.”
To learn more about Laura Secord’s story or to get involved, contact McCormick at cmccormick@friendsoflaurasecord.com.
