Kingston is one of the few spots in Canada where war has taken place and one of the very few where it was by the navy. In November 1812, early on in the War of 1812, the small British fleet here was attractive enough to draw the small American fleet into battle and set up a naval blockade of the town. The Martellos and other fortifications were built over the following decades in response to this event. If it were not for a few events during that war and a few people like the loyalist Mohawk who followed Molly Brant north after the American War of Independence, this might be the national holiday for some or all of Canada.

Last evening, there was a clear enough view south across the Lake to see the city lights of Oswego as well as fireworks down the river to the east on the US side. Every year, when we watch the celebrations in the US on the fourth of July, I often think we should do a little celebration of ourselves too, distinct from the FedGov-style celebration of Canada Day three days ago, remembering that over 190 years ago we were given a chance to be ourselves.