News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A plaque and monument were unveiled today at Officers’ Square in Fredericton recognizing it as a Provincial Heritage Place in commemoration of it being the starting point of the march of New Brunswick’s 104th Regiment of Foot during the War of 1812.

“I believe that the courage and sacrifice demonstrated 200 years ago by the 104th Regiment should be a source of great pride among New Brunswickers, whose lives continue to be shaped by our collective heritage,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser. “The monument in Officers’ Square will serve as a continual reminder of the story of the 104^th. Our government is tremendously pleased to be sharing this story for the long-term.”

Through the Heritage Conservation Act, the government is able to designate places that are significant as Provincial Heritage Places.

During the War of 1812, the New Brunswick 104th Regiment of Foot gathered in Officers’ Square before embarking on a 1,100-kilometer journey to Kingston, Ontario. From there, the regiment took part in many of the war’s key battles.

The concept for the monument was inspired, in part, by John F. Irving and its construction was supported by Commercial Properties Ltd.

“During the War of 1812, the regiment played a critical role, contributing significantly to the formation of Canada as we now know it,” said Irving, president of Commercial Properties. “Since 2009, Commercial Properties has been proud to support initiatives to recognize the contributions of New Brunswickers, particularly those of the 104th Regiment of Foot, and to share those stories with Canada.”

The unveiling of the monument wraps up two full years of commemoration across New Brunswick. During these two years, the Provincial Committee for the Commemoration of the War of 1812 co-ordinated community activities such as the re-enactments, last winter, of the March of the 104th Regiment, the exhibition of the 104th Regimental Colours at the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John and at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, and the unveiling of a memorial plaque recognizing New Brunswick’s role in the battle at Sackets Harbor in New York.