Re-enactment commemorates signing of Treaty of Ghent
Ghent kicked off its commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended a war between Britain and the US
More celebrations to come
The Treaty of Ghent, signed by British and American delegates on 24 December 1814, meant the end of the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States, which had lasted for two-and-a-half years. The signing defined the borders between modern-day Canada and the US.
Both parties in the treaty also expressed their intention to abolish slavery and stop the hostilities against Native Americans. Ghent was chosen to host the signing of the treaty because it was neutral territory, offered plenty of accommodation and was considered as a favourable geographic location. The anniversary celebrations serve to commemorate the treaty and introduce the little-known event to the general public.
Wednesday’s opener saw cannon fire from the Gravensteen Castle and Emile Braunplein (pictured). The public was invited to a free performance of a re-enactment of the signing of the peace agreement at city hall. Another highlight of the evening was a concert by The Orchestra of The Age of Enlightenment, from London, which played “War and Peace” at Sint-Baaf’s Cathedral.
Among the high-profile guests at the opening event was John Quincy Adams, a descendant of the man of the same name who led the American delegation during the negotiations with British delegates in 1814 and later became the sixth president of the US.
Flemish minister-president Geert Bourgeois gave a speech for the occasion, highlighting the government’s support of the festivities. The government allocated €75,000 in subsidies to the Treaty of Ghent organisation.
Bourgeois praised the project for its efforts to involve youngsters – from primary school students to higher education students. “It’s my hope that this project, and all its possible spin-offs, puts both Ghent as Flanders further on the map abroad,” he said.
photo courtesy Het Nieuwsblad
