The Queen’s Own Rifles teamed up with the Ontario Regiment for ‘Exercise Paratus Rendezvous’ at the Oshawa Airport on June 13-14.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good parade?
Add some ceremonial gunfire, and you’ve got a celebration worthy of Canada’s oldest continually active infantry regiment, one that has participated in every military campaign since before Canada existed.
The Queen’s Own Rifles, established in 1860 as the Volunteer Rifle Company of Whitby, will be celebrated on Saturday with a parade starting from Civic Park in Whitby and ending at the police station on Taunton Road.
The Town of Whitby has officially designated July 18 as The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Day, and the regiment is inviting locals to line the 4.5-kilometre route to show their support. The event kicks off at 10:30 a. m.
Members of the regiment will gather at Civic Park at nine a. m., then march east along Rossland Road where a volley will be fired before proceeding north on Garden Street to Taunton Road (more volleys will follow) and finally heading east to the police station at Anderson Road around noon.
The Volunteer Rifle Company of Whitby was renamed the Queen’s Own Rifles in 1866 when they became part of the same battalion as the Ontario Regiment in Oshawa.
Last month, The Queen’s Own Rifles collaborated with the Ontario Regiment for ‘Exercise Paratus Rendezvous’ at Oshawa Executive Airport.
“We are deeply honoured by this recognition,” the regiment shared on social media while inviting everyone out for this celebration. “Come out and celebrate with The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada as we mark this special day in a town that holds an important place in our regimental story.”
“It is with sadness that we learn of the death of Corporal George Beardshaw, the regiment’s last surviving member of World War II.
With his passing, we lose the last representative of the greatest generation. From his upbringing as a Home Child to briefly being interned as a prisoner of war, George remained strong and resilient, representing ideals we all strive for.”
His funeral will take place in London on Friday.
George Beardshaw in 2024
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 44,737 Votes
All Time: 1,435,703 Votes
739 VOTES
Source link
