BRAMPTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 9, 2014) - The end of 100th Anniversary celebration in Brampton on 9 September also marked the continuation of a Memorial Baton Relay (MBR) for approximately 50 soldiers from 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). On 10 September the MBR and Memorial Baton will depart from HMCS York at noon in a Light Armoured Vehicle escorted by Toronto Police Services and Ontario Provincial Police. They will travel along the Highway of Heroes to Canadian Forces Base Trenton with an estimated arrival time of 2 pm.
MBR soldiers are travelling through select cities and towns with a Memorial Baton containing the names of 1,866 PPCLI members who have fallen in active service to Canada over the last century. The MBR team is re-tracing the symbolic route taken by the PPCLI Originals as they marshaled for service in 1914 on the eve of the First World War. The relay will finish in Ottawa on September 18, 2014.
Displays will be open to the public at scheduled stops along the route, showcasing military vehicles, weapons, equipment and uniforms worn by PPCLI soldiers from 1914 to modern day. Equipment displays will be supplemented by a mobile museum and outreach activities, including an obstacle course, magician, balloons and face painting.
Beyond the activities in Brampton on 9 September, PPCLI centennial celebrations will continue in Ottawa in September. The PPCLI will exercise the Freedom of the City of Ottawa and participate in a joint sunset ceremony on Parliament Hill with the Royal 22e Régiment (R22eR) which also celebrates its centennial this year. Both the PPCLI and R22eR will be recognized at the Canadian Army Run on Sunday, 21 September.
For specific information regarding the Memorial Baton Relay or any PPCLI centennial activities, please visit the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group home page or www.ppcli.com
Quick Facts
- The Colonel-in-Chief of the PPCLI is currently The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, PC, CC, CMM, COM, CD, appointed to the position on 17 March 2007. The honour was originally held for 55 years by Princess Patricia of Connaught, after whom the Regiment is named, and was succeeded by her cousin, Lady Patricia Ramsay, Countess Mountbatten of Burma in 1974.
- The 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, received special recognition for their service in Korea, being awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the only Canadian unit to be so recognized.
- Before arriving in Brampton, the team was in Brantford. The next stop for the MBR Team is Trenton.
- The Memorial Baton Relay will be making 21 stops between Edmonton, Alberta and Ottawa, Ontario travelling as far east as Montréal, Québec.
- The Memorial Baton Relay will depart on 10 September for the final portion of its travels. They visit Trenton, Kingston and Montreal before their arrival in Ottawa on 17 September.
Quotes
"The Memorial Baton Relay is a historic event to mark a century of Regimental service to Canada and honour 1,866 PPCLI soldiers who have fallen on active service. Current soldiers of the Regiment are privileged to retrace the symbolic journey taken by the PPCLI Originals in 1914 on the eve of the First World War, celebrating our history and strengthening our relationships with the Canadian public whom we serve."
Lieutenant-Colonel Bob Ritchie, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Associated Links
www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/1-cmbg/index.page
www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/ppcli/index.page
Contact Information:
Public Affairs Officer
1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
(780) 700-2197
Christine.Salt@forces.gc.ca
Grant Cree
Director of Public Relations
PPCLI 100th Anniversary Office
(780) 940-3228
grant@grantcree.ca