The West Nova Scotia Regiment marks historic Change of Colours Parade
News release
September 29, 2023 – Halifax, N.S. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The public had an opportunity to witness a historical celebration held by the West Nova Scotia Regiment who proudly celebrated their new Regimental and King’s Colours at the Change of Colours ceremony at Grand Pré National Historic Site, on September 24, 2023.
The presentation of the Colours at Grand Pré by His Honour, The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, holds special significance as the West Nova Scotia Regiment cap badge bears the Grand Pré Memorial Church on it. The last time the Change of Colours parade occurred was in 1959, in Annapolis Royal on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by then, Lieutenant Governor Major-General the Honourable Edward C. Plow. At that time the Queen’s Colours had the Union Jack as a background; the 2023 King’s Colours has a Canadian flag as its background.
Formerly called the Queen's Colours, the King’s Colours is a flag used by a military unit, which are an organization’s most prized and sacred possession. Historically, Regimental Colours identified units and provided a rallying point for army regiments in the line of battle. Today, they are no longer carried in action, however they continue to be visible symbols of pride, honour and devotion to Sovereign and country.
Quotes
“These new Colours today, continue a golden thread that traces your regimental lineage back to the 40th Regiment of Foot, the Prince of Wales Volunteers, which was raised at Fort Anne at Annapolis Royal in 1717. This golden thread connects you to the long past members of the regiment and its antecedents who served in the First World War and the Second World War linked with the modern members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have served in your regiment.
His Honour, The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia
“To the brave men and women of the West Nova Scotia Regiment, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication and commitment. It is through your sacrifice and service which reaches deep into the hearts of the communities you serve. Your courage, resilience, and unwavering sense of duty embody the very best of what it means to serve as citizen soldiers.”
Colonel Tim White, Commander of 36 Canadian Brigade Group
Quick facts
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The West Nova Scotia Regiment (WNSR) is one of the oldest Army Reserve Regiments in Canada. The Regiment was formed in 1936 from both the 69th Annapolis Regiment (1717), and the 75th Lunenburg Regiment (1870). Both regiments descended from the 40th Regiment of Foot, the Prince of Wales Volunteers, which was raised on the 23rd of August 1717 at Fort Anne, Annapolis Royal, NS.
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The Regimental Colours are the organization’s most prized and sacred possession.
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The receipt and consecration at Grand Pré holds special significance: the West Nova Scotia Regiment cap badge, which is worn by every member of the unit, bears the Grand-Pré Memorial Church on it.
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The West Nova Scotia Regiment has since been granted two more battle honours, which will appear on these new Colours, making a total of 18. A battle honour for the War of 1812 (Defence of Canada) and a second for the service of West Nova Scotia Regiment soldiers in Afghanistan will be added.
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The West Nova Scotia Regiment has remained an active unit of the Army Reserve since World War II. West Nova Scotia Regiment soldiers have served tours in countries such as the former Yugoslavia, Cyprus, the Middle East, and more recently in Afghanistan and Eastern Europe.
Associated links
Contacts
Captain Lance Wade
36 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs
Mobile: 902-233-4270
Email: Lance.Wade@Forces.gc.ca
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