Tuesday, May 21, 2013

WHY AREN'T WE AMERICANS?

There will be an event Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the action between H.M.S. Shannon and the USS Chesapeake, on June 2, 2013, 1:50 pm - 3:45 pm at St. Paul's Church and The Old Burying Ground - Halifax, Nova Scotia.

On June 1, 1813, USS Chesapeake, Captain James Lawrence, sailed out of Boston harbour to attack HMS Shannon, Captain Philip Broke. Certain of another British defeat, Bostonians anticipating the evening's victory banquet came out to sea to enjoy the fight. They were shocked to see that only fifteen minutes after the battle began, Chesapeake's ensign dropped. Up rose the Blue Ensign; below it, the Stars and Stripes appeared. His captain, severely wounded, his first lieutenant killed, it fell to 22-year-old Halifax born Provo Wallis, Shannon's second lieutenant, to command his ship. The third lieutenant, Charles Falkiner, took charge of the Chesapeake, giving special care to Lawrence, who lay in his wardroom, mortally wounded. The two frigates sailed eastward into the gathering darkness as the disappointed sightseers returned to Boston to report the unbelievable news. Chesapeake taken!

His Honour Brigadier General the Honourable J. J. Grant, CMM.ONS.CD (ret'd), Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, will inspect the Maritime Forces Atlantic Honour Guard at the Grand Parade prior to the event commemorating ceremonies at St. Paul's Church.

Following the ceremony at St. Paul's we will continue on to the Old Burying Ground, on Barrington St. The Commemorative Service will take place from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm.

For further information, please contact - Mr. Larry Camp-902-826-2630 or wendybrookpark@hotmail.com Chair of the Old Burying Ground Foundation.

Shannon vs. Chesapeake June 1813 http://ns1763.ca/hfxrm/shannon.html

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