We’re gathered here today to pay homage to the noble and valiant men who died while planting the seeds of a failed revolution. It was a rebellion against autocracy and oppression, of nepotism and excess, and of the unfairness of government without consultation of The People.

Inspired by a worldwide movement toward democracy and the rights of the individual, it was, in MacKenzie’s own words, not supposed to be a rebellion at all. The proposed march down Yonge Street - just a block or so west of where we stand, was planned as a protest march. Since British troops had a history of firing on unarmed protesters - notably the famed Peterloo Massacre eighteen years earlier in Britain - self defense was essential. So some protesters marched armed with rifles, many with antique muskets, and pitchforks.

On Monday December 4, 1837, William Lyon MacKenzie and his rebels started gathering at Montgomery's Tavern, which then was about 6 km north of the city but now is the Post Office just north of Eglinton and Yonge Streets - and during the week of the rebellion more than 700 men would arrive at the tavern, blocking the highway outside.

The British Colonel Moodie with six other loyalists attempted to ride through the rebel roadblock to

warn Governor Bond Head in Toronto. Moodie fired his pistol, apparently over the heads of the rebels, the opening shot in the rebellion in Upper Canada. A number of the rebels returned fire killing Moodie.The implication of what had happened hit MacKenzie hard and now, rather than striking directly into the city, he hesitated. This gave Governor Bond Head a chance to organize. The lack of action also led to desertions from the rebel side. Historians now believe this hesitation, an act of conscience, may well have cost the rebels a republic in 1837.

Realizing that this action now had to be followed through, Anthony van Egmond, a veteran military commander who fought in the Napoleonic Wars was chosen to be the military leader of the rebellion. Other notable rebel leaders were Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews, of whom we stand here today to commemorate.

So rather than attack the main townsite, the plan was to await the government counterattack. Matthews was given 60 riflemen and sent to the Don River Bridge as a diversion, but they were driven off. The move did not divert the main loyalist force of more than 1000 men divided into three columns, supported by two cannon. The main rebel force left at the tavern numbered just 400 now, with only 200 of those with firearms. Distant bagpipes heralded the oncoming government forces and when the government forces moved to within range, they opened fire. After an exchange of gunfire, the heavily outnumbered rebels retreated, suffering a number of dead and wounded.

Mackenzie escaped and was later pardoned, but Van Egmond, Lount and Matthews were captured. Van Egmond later died in prison before his trial, Lount and Matthews were hanged in this very spot. Others were deported to Australian penal colonies.

There were many violent battles to follow, in both Upper and Lower Canada, among them, the battles of St. Denis, St. Charles, St. Eustache, Dr. Dunscombe's, Hamilton Jail, French Creek, Pele Island, Amherstburg and Short Hills. The largest battle was St. Eustache which involved an estimated 1000 patriotes and 1200 British troops. Seventy were killed and 118 captured and deported.

Today we remember the efforts of those patriots and their ideals, ideals that were later to mold Canada into a more democratic society.

In the words of William Lyon Mackenzie in his Proclamation to the People of Upper Canada:

"We have planted the Standard of Liberty in Canada"

In it, he prophetically called for many things we take for granted today:

Perpetual Peace, founded on a government of equal rights to all, secured by a written constitution, sanctioned by yourselves in a convention to be called as early as circumstances will permit.

Civil and Religious Liberty, in its fullest extent, that in all laws made, or to be made, every person to be bound alike.

The Abolition of Hereditary Honors

A Legislature, composed of a Senate and Assembly chosen the people.

An Executive, to be composed of a Governor and other officers elected by the public voice.

A Judiciary, to be chosen by the Governor and Senate, and composed of the most learned, honorable, and trustworthy, of citizens.

The freedom of the press.

The Vote by Ballot -- free and peaceful township elections.

Ample funds to be reserved from the vast natural resources of our country to secure the blessings of education to every citizen.

The opening of the St. Lawrence to the trade of the world so that the largest ships might pass up to Lake Superior, and the distribution of the wild lands of the country to the industry, capital, skill, and enterprise of worthy men of all nations.

Let’s not forget the efforts of these brave citizens of Canada. And by remembering them today, we perpetuate their ideals in our quest for a more just and equitable nation - a Republic of Canada we can call our own.