CNN PRODUCER NOTE     iReporter Jamie McCaffrey from Ottawa, Canada took this photo during Fortissimo, a military and musical spectacular featuring massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard. This year's theme was the anniversary of the War of 1812.

“By the end of the war, in 1815, neither the US nor the UK had lost any territory. For Canada however, it was seen as a watershed moment. When presented with the opportunity to choose between the US or UK, Canadians chose to stand by their allegiance to England and to remain separate from the US in North America. A key moment that would lead to Canadian confederation and the establishment of my country in 1867,” said the 45-year-old civil servant.

“But what I like most about this picture, and that moment, is that there has been peace between our two countries since 1815. We have been peaceful neighbors ever since, and, as on this evening, we are able to gather and enjoy each others company and history with mutual respect,” he added.
- stinabacker, CNN iReport producer