THE FRIENDS OF PRESENTS

The Laura Secord Bicentennial Event and Commemorative Walk June 22, 2013 A Signature Event of the

On the evening of June 21, 1813 Laura Secord overheard American officers, billeted at her home in Queenston, discuss plans to capture a British outpost located at John DeCew’s House, 32 kilometres away, near the area called Beaver Dams. Early the next morning, Laura left her wounded husband and young children and walked through enemy lines and dangerous terrain to warn the British and their aboriginal allies of this impending attack by American forces. After many hours of difficult travel on an exceptionally hot and humid day, she stumbled upon an encampment of native allies who escorted her to DeCew House. The commanding officer, Lt. James Fitzgibbon, positioned his troops and allied aboriginal forces, and secured the surrender of nearly 600 American troops at the decisive . Without Laura Secord’s bold contribution, Canada may not have existed as a nation today.

Nearly 200 years ago, a young mother left her home early one morning and walked not only into history but into the collective hearts of many who share the pride for this national heroine that risked her life in the defense of Canada. The Friends of Laura Secord is planning a major event to honour her historic walk of courage and perseverance

The Friends of Laura Secord is a non-profit community group established to preserve, strengthen and perpetuate the legacy of Canadian heroine Laura Secord, a Person of National Significance. The group brings together individuals and groups from all walks of life that share an interest in the Laura Secord story, and fosters collaborative relationships amongst community members, institutions, organizations, service clubs, municipalities, and the public and private sector.

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Laura Secord’s walk on Saturday June 22, 2013, the Friends of Laura Secord plan to create and establish an annual event, The Laura Secord Commemorative Walk, to honour the legacy of this Canadian heroine, and to encourage an active and interactive interest in Canada’s origins, history, and the people involved in its defense, with a particular focus on education, women and the aboriginal communities.

Considerable research has already been undertaken to identify the route Laura Secord took during her epic journey. She travelled 32 km from present day Niagara-on-the-Lake