Fun Fact Friday #4 - O Canada! 🍁

Calixa Lavallee

      Did you know that the man who wrote the Canadian national anthem fought in the American Civil War?

      Calixa Lavallee was a French-Canadian musician and Union Army band musician during the Civil War. He is best known for writing "O Canada" in 1880, which eventually became the Canadian national anthem in 1980. 

      He was a world wide singer and performer that played shows in multiple countries including Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. He returned to the U.S after touring around and enlisted in the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers of the Union Army as a cornet (a brass instrument similar to the trumpet) player. He attained the rank lieutenant, but was wounded in the Battle of Antietam. He then made his way home and spent most of his life playing music in Canada and the U.S. 

      Come on out to Tyrconnell Heritage Society's Civil War reenactment this weekend (July 28 & 29 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to learn more about Canadians and the American Civil War! There will be music, food, artifacts, and even a reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg! It is $8.00 per person and free for children 12 and under. 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown, Ontario. Call (519) 762-3072 or visit www.backuspagehouse.ca for more information!