Canadian colonel overdue for recognition

According to the Kingston (Canada) Whig-Standard, Lt.Col. John By is long ovedue for recognition and describe him as "a hero without honor."

The paper reports, "Now that the Rideau Canal - which he designed and built through the wilds of eastern Ontario from 1826 to 1832 - has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, more and more people are saying it's time to right that historical wrong."

Apparently, Colonel By never received the recognition many felt - and still feel - he deserves for the engineering marvel paved the way for modern Canada.

Ottawa (originally called Bytown) has been the hub of most of the activity. For the past 36 years, Canadians living along the Rideau Canal have been working quietly to get him his due.

In May, 1979, Canada Post issued a stamp (shown above) that commemorated the 200th anniversary of By's birth. But didn't even show his face. Instead it is a stylized rendering of his profile by artist Theo Dimson, on a 17-cent stamp reflecting the first-class letter rate of the time.

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