War of 1812 Introduces John Terence, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) MMM, CD Producer















Photo by Gary McWilliams, Ontario Visited

"The Battle" at the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival
Interview with Mr. John Terence, Producer, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

 

WAR OF 1812 & the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

"The Importance of Living History" ...

John Terrence feels "it is important to present history to the public". Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival is an important part of our society today. He tells me "that Military Music assists with telling a story by marching to battle through music while entertaining the audience". “Sometimes" John tells me, "I feel History get neglected. Our veterans of World War II of passing on at an alarming rate, so are the Veterans of the Battle of Vimy Ridge from World War I”. Although, John tells me, “that more and more documentaries are being made to depict these incredible feats in History”. A little further history …

“Historians attribute the success of the Canadian Corps in capturing the ridge to a mixture of technical and tactical innovation, meticulous planning, powerful artillery support, and extensive training, as well as the failure of the German Sixth Army to properly apply the German defensive doctrine. The battle was the first occasion when all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force participated in a battle together and thus became a Canadian nationalistic symbol of achievement and sacrifice. A 250-acre (100 ha) portion of the former battleground now serves as a preserved memorial park and site of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial” Mr. Terence says “it is sobering to visit the sights of our monuments”.

Next week Mr. Terence will help us learn about the differences between “Military Tattoo” compared to a “Scottish/Irish Tattoo”?

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 Introduces John Terence, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) MMM, CD Producer

Photo by Gary McWilliams, Ontario Visited

"The Battle" at the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival
Interview with Mr. John Terence, Producer, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

WAR OF 1812 & the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

"Getting into the Act" ...

I wondered how Mr. Terence and his team went about gathering such amazing talent to perform at the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival and what their criteria might be. Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) John Terence tells me he “has been in this game a long time”. As reported above, John has travelled the world extensively to many places. He gets contact information from Acts world wide. John attends the “The International Association of Tattoo Organizers – IATO” A note about this organization … IATO “is a community of military tattoos of highest level, aiming to sustain and help its’ members. To enter this association, the festival should be a non – commercial event of high cultural level and importance existing for not less than 3 years. Among the members of the IATO there are the most famous and spectacular festivals, such as: the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Berlin Military Music Festival, the Netherlands Military Tattoo, the Norwegian Military Tattoo (NMT), the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, the Swedish Military Tattoo and so on.”

I asked John if applying to this Festival was similar to an art show where you would need to be “juried” to be accepted. Although the Board of Directors has a large say in who will be able to participate in their Festival, John has the last word. I thought that not many would be given the opportunity to take part as the space is limited and the competition strong. John tells me that he once had a rock Band apply. He was kind to advice them that this Festival and performance was not quite what they were looking for and encouraged them to continue on their quest. John states (as I will explain later in this interview), “Always end on a Positive Note”! My next question relates to one of my favourite questions ... "What is the importance of "living history", "history" and the "War of 1812".

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 Introduces John Terence, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) MMM, CD Producer

Photo by Gary McWilliams, Ontario Visited

"The Battle" at the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival
Interview with Mr. John Terence, Producer, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

 

WAR OF 1812 & the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival PLANS

With the War of 1812 Bicentennial this year, many organizations are celebrating by including remembrance and activities planned as part of their festival/event. Many festivals/events seem to start next year’s planning the day after that event ends. Mr. Terence tells us he doesn’t work that way. In fact, 2013/14 plans are well under way and 2015 has been started also. Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival has themes each year. A brief summary: 2012 – focus on events that occurred during the War of 1812. They will try to portray ideas around “why the American side choose to attack Canada”, the death  and the legend of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock and Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell. 2013 – Focus on the Battle of Stoney Creek, the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival will work in conjunction with the organizers of the Battle of Stoney Creek Reenactment. And 2014 – focus on significant events during that period of time of the War of 1812 and focus on “Pathways of Peace” also. I thought I would share with you some further details of the plans for the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival for the War of 1812 through 2012-2014?

“The Canadian International Military Tattoo, an inspiring 2-1/2 hour show of stirring music, dancing, pipes & drums and military displays, will feature a commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the 1812-1814 War; the 150th Anniversary of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (WR); along with International Guest Performers. A Signature Event in the City of Hamilton.”

“Central Canada’s premier Military Tattoo featuring the pageantry of massed military bands, pipes and drums and special guest performers is very pleased to announce our 21^st Military show for 2012. On Saturday June 23 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday June 24 at 2:30 pm, we will be featuring a commemoration of the 200^th Anniversary of the start of the War of 1812-1814, and the 150^th Anniversary of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (WR). Invited performing groups include the following: Special Guests- Pioneers of Canterbury Marching Group (Christchurch New Zealand)…The Windsor Regiment Band (Windsor): The Royal Regiment of Canada Military Band (Toronto): The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Military Band (Hamilton): The Military Band of the Ceremonial Guard (Ottawa): …The 48^th Highlanders Pipes and Drums (Toronto): The Lorne Scots Pipes and Drums (Brampton): The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Pipes and Drums (Hamilton): The Pipes and Drums of the Ceremonial Guard (Ottawa): The Dundas Pipes and Drums (Dundas):…The Tattoo Dancers: 13^th Regiment of Foot (Hamilton Re enactment Group): Winning Cadet Band in Ontario: 1812-1814 Re enactors (Hamilton): Danielle Bourre (Singer): The Fiddle Kid (Liam McGlashon)"

The Tattoo is a registered Not-for-Profit charitable organization and is a 2 ½ hour show with over 500 performers composed of military bands, pipes and drums, dancers, song, pageantry and special performing groups. Special emphasis is always given to our veterans from all theatres, and they are included in the show. There is no other show of this scale west of Halifax, and we provide the experience for the general public to connect the public to the military through music.

Next week I am excited to share with you my conversation with Mr. Terence about "Getting into the Act"!

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 Introduces John Terence, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) MMM, CD Producer

Photo by Gary McWilliams, Ontario Visited
"Exhibitor" at the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival
Interview with Mr. John Terence, Producer, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

This year the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival embarks on its’ 21^st Anniversary. The Producer of the show, John Terence, tells us in summary that … “In 1992 Canada was having its’ 125 Anniversary. The Region of Hamilton/Wentworth wanted to put together a celebration “show”. This effort was to be a “one time show”. However, when the “Region” became a “so called Mega City of Hamilton”, they decided to form a non profit organization and continue with the success of this “show”! At one point John was Chairman of this Show, but says to us that “being Chairman is not my bag, I much prefer being on the production side”! To tell you a little history about Mr. Terence, here is a bit of his biography … Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) John Terence, MMM, CD, Producer … “CWO Terence of has been actively and directly involved with the Tattoo since its inception in 1992. He was born in England and came to Canada with his parents in 1946. He began piping at the age of ten, and in 1958 joined the Pipes and Drums of The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. He was appointed its Pipe Major in 1973, a post he held until retirement from the Army Reserve in 2000. Under his leadership the band travelled extensively, including appearances at the Edinburgh Tattoo in 1974, 1986 and 2000, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, and France in 1995 and the last British Army Tattoo in Berlin, Germany in 1992. In 1999 Pipe Major Terence was appointed a Member of the Order of Military Merit in recognition of his distinguished service to the Canadian Forces and to his regiment and its Pipes and Drums. CWO Terence is married to Lynda (a Tattoo volunteer), and they have three daughters, Jeanne, Jackie and Julie, all of whom have served in the Argylls. Jackie is a drummer with the Argylls’ Pipes and Drums and Julie is a medical assistant in the Regular Force, currently serving with 1 Field Ambulance, CFB Edmonton.”  As I spoke to John, he also mentioned his daughter as a combat medic in the Rank Force is in tour in Afghanistan for 8 months, “all outside the wire”. I asked John what that meant, he tells me that “that’s were all the actions is, they are in a constant state of combat readiness”. He told me about the other dangers other than the War itself, being the environment; Camel Spiders bodies are as large as dinner plates.” It amazes me how much dedication the entire Terence family has devoted to “Canada” and our society!

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 "Controversial Topics"?

Photo taken by Gary McWilliams/Ontario Visited
"A Blurred Vision"
Article written and submitted by Judi McWilliams
War of 1812 Celebrations Website

Through our War of 1812 Celebrations website, I have been reporting about the War of 1812 … writing articles, doing research, and posting article Blog’s with interesting interviews leaders/experts/historians/re-enactors. While visiting the internet and reading other articles posted, I have found that for each article that appears on the internet, there is quite often a subsequent article with a diametric “opinion” about the historical articles written, thus resulting in controversial topics. As you know, I reported in the past about this exact issue stating that the word “NOTION” suites this situation well. The definition of NOTION:  “INSIGHT, COMPREHENSION, CONCEPT, ASSUMPTIONS, IMPRESSION, KNOWLEDGE, JUDGEMENT, OPINION, YOUR UNDERSTANDING.” There are articles and stories that are compelling, interesting, and controversial to some. As we continue to write about the War of 1812 and in particular the Bicentennial Celebrations, I am going to report on Expert's opinions/notions as to their thoughts about these “controversies”. I was concerned that we might “offend” some of our War of 1812 Celebrations website readers, but now I think that the conversation is worth the debate. My next writings will be about some of the Expert's opinions/notions as to their thoughts about these ongoing “Controversial issues” … “Are they even Controversial?!”… and … “Just who do you think/feel you are offending?!”

I will continue to research information on this topic,taking about the "controversy", including a story about John Norton. Is he a true "forgotten War of 1812 Hero" or "that he was somewhat divisive" and not to others.

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 - "Big in Canada"?

Photo taken by Gary McWilliams
Reenactment Wasaga Under Seige 2011
"Capturing History in Time" ...
War of 1812 Article submitted by Judi McWilliams
Ontario Visited/War of 1812 Celebrations

Part 3 ....

This is my final except is from an article posted in the SalemNews.com, submitted October 1, 2011 by David M. Shribman, a North Shore native and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. I still welcome people to submit to our War of 1812 Celebrations website their “NOTION”. Your Notion being:  your “INSIGHT, COMPREHENSION, CONCEPT, ASSUMPTIONS, IMPRESSION, KNOWLEDGE, JUDGEMENT, OPINION, YOUR UNDERSTANDING”.

excerpt ... "Big In Canada" ... "The normal discourse in Canada is anti-American," he says. "It's a secular religion, and this is the only acceptable form of bigotry in Canada. So when we have a chance to get up on our high horse and be self-righteous and say we whipped the United States, we'll do so. It doesn't mean more than one Canadian in a hundred knows a thing about the war. They don't. Usually we have a moral superiority. This time we have 200-years'-old military superiority."

But few people on this side of the 49th parallel are likely to notice.

"Americans are not exactly fascinated with the War of 1812," says Richard J. Finch, director of the Fort Meigs State Memorial in Perrysburg, Ohio, the largest reconstructed War of 1812 site in the country. "It's sandwiched between the American Revolution and the Civil War, so it tends to get neglected." The only people in the United States unabashedly excited about this event are Navy officials, who are planning events in New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Va., Baltimore, Boston, Chicago — and Toronto.

The war ended in a draw, but the contest to conduct the most comprehensive commemoration isn't even close. The Canadians have appropriated millions, the Americans hardly anything. At this rate, the Canadians will appropriate the war entirely, at least for the next several years. Which brings us to a lesson for our time: Even forgotten wars can be lost 200 years later.”

David M. Shribman, a North Shore native and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.”

War of 1812 "Big in Canada?"

Photo taken by Gary McWilliams
Reenactment Wasaga Under Seige 2011
War of 1812 Article submitted by Judi McWilliams
Ontario Visited/War of 1812 Celebrations

Part 2:

As the War of 1812 Bicentennial year has started, I am continuing to share some of the “stories” and bring some “important issues” for you to consider. The following except is from an article posted in the SalemNews.com, submitted October 1, 2011 by David M. Shribman, a North Shore native and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“David Shribman: War of 1812: Still big in Canada, not so much here”

"Along with the Korean War, the War of 1812, which most Americans remember dimly as being about impressment on the high seas and freedom of movement on the Great Lakes, is often called the Forgotten War.

It is sad that Americans are so forgetful, for this conflict, which lasted roughly two and a half years, gave the United States its national anthem and its national identity, cemented in large measure the nation's cultural and geographical boundaries, ushered in 200 years of peace with Britain and Canada, made the White House white and provided us with durable heroes such as Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Oliver Hazard Perry and Tecumseh.

It ended in virtual stalemate — no side lost substantial territory except, of course, the Indians — and was a decidedly mixed experience for Americans, whose generals were execrable, whose militia didn't fight well and whose twin theories of warfare (that the French Canadians would rush to the U.S. side and that Canada would collapse into American arms) were ludicrous.

"The acquisition of Canada this year, as far as the neighborhood of Quebec, will be a mere matter of marching," wrote Thomas Jefferson, then out of office, "and will give us experience for the attack of Halifax the next and the final expulsion of England from the American continent." Maybe Jefferson wasn't a genius after all.

At the same time, however, the American Navy excelled, forcing the British to lose whole squadrons, which had rarely happened before. American naval prowess on the Great Lakes is still the stuff of legend, as is the old warship, the USS Constitution, known then and now as Old Ironsides.

But from the viewpoint of Canada, whose War of 1812 heroes are Isaac Brock and Laura Secord, the conflict is a different matter altogether, remembered for its glorious victories over American invaders.

"Thus the war that was supposed to attach the British North American colonies to the United States accomplished exactly the opposite," the late Canadian historian Pierre Berton wrote in his two-volume history of the conflict. "It ensured that Canada would never become a part of the Union to the south. Because of it, an alternative form of democracy grew out of the British colonial oligarchy in the northern half of the continent."

(To Be Continued)