diplomacy

1921Why is a statue of George Washington located in London, England?

A striking bronze statue of George Washington stands in front of the National Gallery in London, England, a symbol of reconciliation between two former adversaries. Gifted by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the statue was inaugurated on 30 June 1921 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Virginia’s founding and to foster goodwill after World War I. Uniquely, this monument is an exact replica of Jean-Antoine Houdon's 1796 original, featuring Washington in his Revolutionary uniform beside a plowshare and a bundle of fasces representing the unity of the thirteen states. As the statue marks its 104th anniversary in 2025, it remains a powerful testament to enduring peace and cooperation across the Atlantic.

1886What is considered the first memorial erected to the memory of an Indigenous person in Canada?

The Joseph Brant Memorial Statue in Burlington, Ontario, stands as the first memorial erected in Canada to honour an Indigenous person, Captain Joseph Brant, also known as Thayendanegea. Celebrated for his military leadership during the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolutionary War, Brant was also a highly respected diplomat and Principal Chief of the Six Nations. This impressive bronze statue was unveiled on October 13, 1886, by Ontario's Lieutenant Governor John Beverley Robinson and rededicated in 2000, marking its enduring significance in how Indigenous histories are publicly commemorated. Today, the memorial continues to inspire reflection on both the legacy of Captain Brant and the evolving ways in which we honor Indigenous leaders.