The anniversary isn't until Thursday, but I thought I would post a couple days early so that you all can amaze your friends with your knowledge of history when the time comes. July 12, 1812 General William Hull proclaimed Canada free from the tyranny of the Crown. The liberation only lasted a few days, apparently, but it was a noble effort. If he would have succeeded Canadians today wouldn't have to deal with such oppressive forces as free health care or a relatively crime free, liberal society.