Alrighty lads.
Jim Bretherick, Niagara Branch member and Sgt at Arms for RCL 51, Niagara Falls, has graciously invited us to join the legionnaires for a parade on the 16th of May. Naturally, I have accepted as I feel it is important that we support our regimental brothers in their legion activities as the local legions support us with ours.
We shall meet at Royal Canadian Legion 51 as shuttle buses have been laid on for us to get into the park and back.
Timings to follow but I believe the parade starts around 1.
OK, some background information is is order.
http://fortyandeight.org/40&8_events.htm#cenotaphThe Forty & Eight is committed to charitable and patriotic aims. Our purpose is to uphold and defend the United States Constitution, to promote the well being of veterans and their widows and orphans, and to actively participate in selected charitable endeavors, which include programs that promote child welfare and nurse's training.
The titles and symbols of the Forty & Eight reflect its First World War origins. Americans were transported to the battle front on French trains within boxcars stenciled with a “40/8”, denoting its capacity to hold either forty men or eight horses. This uncomfortable mode of transportation was familiar to all who fought in the trenches; a common small misery among American soldiers who thereafter found “40/8” a lighthearted symbol of the deeper service, sacrifice and unspoken horrors of war that bind all who have borne the battle.
The Forty & Eight was founded in 1920 by American veterans returning from France. Originally an arm of The American Legion, the Forty & Eight became an independent and separately incorporated veteran's organization in 1960. Membership is by invitation of honorably discharged veterans and honorably serving members of the United States Armed Forces. Seventy two years ago, the 40/8 were granted permission to march across the rainbow bridge to Queen Victoria Park, where the cenotaph is. Seventy two years later, the Americans continue to honour our fallen comrades and
this year, the Niagara Branch has been invited to represent our Regiment. The parade is around 1300 hundred but we have been asked to assemble at RCL Branch 51 in Niagara Falls at 1115. 51 is just off the 420, turn left at Stanley Avenue then left again on Valley Way. The legion is about a half block up. Shuttle buses have been laid on to bring us down to the park and back. We shall meet at 1115 hours as their are only a couple of buses and their will be multiple trips.
Blue blazers/gray, medals, berets if you got em or, if not, RED support the troops garb.
This event is open to all Royal Canadians, regardless of Association membership. Please join us in this international parade and stand with us beneath our regimental banners.
Pro Patria.
Mike
