Page:Brock centenary 2nd ed. 1913.djvu/86
BB< >CK CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
he made a gallant defence, and, at I said, retained tnii pari of the world for the British Empire. Be w&b aot onlj ■ great sui.ii.-f. i.ut a diplomat and a statesman, and whatever hia vision may have been
- >w- hundred yean ago, everyone will agree with
me that ii was ..c su.ii a character thai la- retained one of tin- best ami finest parte <>f tin- world for Qreat Britain.
Let me say a word regarding the loyalty, the love of home and patriotism thai existed at that time on this field of battle, and it might !>«• asked, what are we doing to-day to create a sentiment of patriot' Ism and loyalty t«» our country and flag? Let me contrast the efforts made in Canada to create a patriotic and national sent inn-tit as compared with the country to the south of us. Just here let me tell you a short Btory regarding what occurred to myself in the city of Detroit some yean ago, before l sras a member of the Legislative Assembly or had any thought of public life. I haw always remem- bered it with tin- keenest appreciation of tin- g work in which the people t<> the south of us an engaged, Inculcating in tin- youth of the country a loyal and patriotic sentiment. I was in Detroit on a school i<t< day when the children of each school were manhalled together for a march past the Detroit City Hall, when they had a Large picture of tin- President Burrounded by their national tlau r , the stats and Stripes. As each school reached the entrance to the City Hall tin- scholan halted, sainted, and gave three cheere. To a little urchin on the Btreet near me who was selling papen I said. "Why do they stop and cheer?" He replied, They are cheering for the old flag which we call 'Old Glory,' and, sir, let me tell you that is the flag that was never licked!" I possibly did not agree with the accuracy of his history, but I realised the sentiment that had been created in that youngster's
mind, a sentiment of loyalty and patriotism no doubt inculcated in his mind at school.