Project 2014

Preparing for 2014

   The United Loyalists' Association of Canada has started preparing for the 100th anniversary of the organization in 2014. Although that is 11 years away, the Association has ambitious plans to mark the occasion and must start planning now if these proposals are to be completed in time.

   The Association was created through an Act of Parliament passed on May 27, 1914.  That piece of legislation brought together several individual Loyalist organizations or societies, as many of those early groups were called, under one umbrella association.  Each of the former groups became a branch of The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada.

   The various Loyalist groups in Canada, prior to the creation of the Association, were started by the third generation of Loyalists-that is the grandchildren of the original loyalist settlers.  It was their intent to both recognize, as well as keep alive, the sacrifices of their grandparents who gave up their land and most of their possessions to remain loyal to the British Crown following the American Revolution.  They also wanted to recognize the effort they made to complete the arduous journey to what would eventually become Canada and their struggle to build a new life in the wilderness that greeted them.

   It is the intent of the Association to have its preparations for our Centennial year culminate in Ottawa in the spring of 2014 with the dedication of a United Empire Loyalists' Memorial.  This ambitious project will require a lot of preparation and fund-raising and we still have a long way to go.  But the creation of such a monument will not only honour our Loyalist ancestors but also raise the profile of the Association and, hopefully, attract new members.

   The Association's 2014 Committee reports that sales of UELAC glassware-mugs, goblets, old-fashioned and wine glasses engraved with the Association's badge-are going very well.  The top seller apparently is the mug-perhaps an indication that a good pint of beer is a Loyalist tradition.  A new item added to the list is a Bud Vase.  The vase comes with a Loyalist Rose bookmark which gives the background of the Rose.   Engraved with a Rose and the words "Loyalist Rose", the vase, at $10.00, also is becoming a best seller.  There is a limited number of  hand-painted silk roses to complement your vase.  The stem of roses and buds costs $5.00.

   Other items for sale include the new version of the UEL tie and the UELAC badge pin with a brooch clasp or a butterfly clasp with crossed flags pin.  Wearing these pins on your lapel or hat is a great way to advertise the organization.    

   For anyone interested in ordering any of these items, please contact Roy Lewis at 345-3562.

   Donations can also be made to the 2014 fund.  Cheques  made out to the UELAC  Project 2014 can be sent to Dominion Treasurer, Doug Grant, UE, 315 Carlton St., Toronto, ON, M5A 2L6 and a tax receipt will be issued.

   Branches have also been encouraged to carry out local projects that can be publicized and will lead up to the year 2014.

                                         - excerpt from "Jessup's Jottings" by Editor Roy Lewis