On Oct. 26, 1813, Lt.-Col. Charles-Michel d’Irumberry de Salaberry left his mark on Canadian history.
The skilled professional soldier was the leader of the famed Voltigeurs canadiens, a light infantry unit based in his homeland of Lower Canada (now Quebec.)
His shining moment as a military commander came during the War of 1812, at the Battle of Chateauguay. That is where de Salaberry led 1,630 Canadian soldiers and aboriginal allies against roughly 4,000 American troops who were attempting to invade the country. The larger American force was defeated, ensuring the safety of Lower Canada.
This historic victory is why de Salaberry’s statue now stands proudly at the Valiants Memorial.
The statue glares out towards passing traffic on Wellington Street with a determined expression on its face. While most motorists drive by unknowingly, the odd few take a second to stare back at the former lieutenant-colonel as they wait at the traffic light.
Sporting full military wardrobe, the statue is adorned with several elaborate details, including the face of a lion on each of his two belt buckles. That is complemented by the prestigious Order of the Bath badge resting on the left side of his chest. The badge signifies de Salaberry’s inclusion into the British Order of Chivalry in 1817.
While the statue is not visited by the visitors in the same way as nearby Parliament Hill there are those who stop when passing by. Be it small children in awe of the large sword held by his right side, or elder citizens eager to read the descriptive plaque, de Salaberry still attracts a few visitors.
The message, “No day will ever erase you from the memory of time,” is inscribed on the bronze wall directly beneath the 14 figures of the memorial.