Celebrating Colonel By Day with a Celtic Cross Commemorative Ceremony
Honouring the Heroes of the Rideau Canal: The Annual Celtic Cross Ceremony
The annual Celtic Cross Ceremony was held recently, paying tribute to the thousands of workers who braved harsh conditions to build the Rideau Canal over six gruelling years. The canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed between 1826 and 1832 as a military strategy against the United States.
Approximately 7,000 workers, including civilian laborers and soldier-artificers known as the Royal Sappers and Miners, laboured on the canal. They endured brutal winters and hot summers, working up to 16 hours a day, six days a week. Tragically, about 1,000 workers lost their lives during the construction, many from malaria.
The Celtic Cross, a symbol of remembrance and respect, stands near the canal as a testament to the human effort that built this important heritage site. The cross is engraved with symbols representing the tools used, harsh working conditions, and diseases suffered by the workers.
Norita O'Donoghue-Fleming, an Irish Canadian who has lived in the area for 37 years, expressed the significance of the Irish workers' courage in immigrating to the area and building the Rideau Canal. She was joined by Gabriel McCaffrey, another Irish immigrant, who emphasized the importance of understanding the history of Irish immigrants in the area.
The ceremony was attended by Ottawa residents, tourists, councillors, and close relatives. Attendees shared prayers, speeches, and a moment of silence near the Celtic Cross monument. Tom Flood, a ceremony attendee, shared that his great-great-grandfathers worked on the Rideau Canal in 1826.
Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa & District Labour Council, stated that the Rideau Canal is significant due to its beauty and impact on tourists and locals. The canal, birthed from tragedy, continues to be a major tourist attraction in Ottawa, drawing visitors from around the world.
The Rideau Canal's historical significance and impact on tourism were acknowledged at the ceremony. The Historical Society of Ottawa has produced tributes such as odes commemorating the canal’s workers, highlighting their toil and dedication. The annual Celtic Cross Ceremony serves as a reminder of the hardships and diseases faced by the workers during the construction of the Rideau Canal, and a tribute to their unwavering spirit and determination.
In the midst of discussions about cultural travel, the annual Celtic Cross Ceremony sheds light on the rich history of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its lifestyle and tourist appeal. This ceremony, recognizing the Irish workers who braved harsh conditions to build the canal, also underscores the significance of cultural-travel, providing insights into the sacrifices made by the workers during the 6-year construction period.
