36 GBC -NR 2011-003 - October 2, 2011
SYDNEY, NS - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, presented The Cape Breton Highlanders with their Camp Flag in Baddeck as part of their 140th Anniversary celebrations.
“I am deeply honoured to take part in today’s celebration of the history, heritage and contributions of the Cape Breton Highlanders,” said Minister MacKay. “ The 140th anniversary of the unit is an important opportunity to recognize those former members who served so valiantly on countless occasions over the decades, and to pay tribute to the current members, some of whom have served Canada recently in Afghanistan. It is truly gratifying to be marking this anniversary with the restored name of the Cape Breton Highlanders.”
Camp Flags are flown to identify the organizational or “functional” family to which a particular unit belongs. Historically, Camp Flags were used to aid soldiers in finding their particular unit on the field of battle. They may be used to mark headquarters and to encompass bounds while on field exercise, manoeuvres, on a parade ground or in barracks.
The Cape Breton Highlanders have a history of strong ties with the people of Cape Breton. From their inception in Baddeck in 1871, many Cape Breton families have seen family members serve with this illustrious unit. The Cape Breton Highlanders served abroad when called upon and served at home protecting vital installations in the industrial areas of Cape Breton. The unit fought in South Africa, the First World War, the Second World War and Korea, and has won a total of 56 battle honours.
“As part of our unit’s 140th anniversary it is fitting that we return to Baddeck, our original location, to honour our past and begin a new phase of history,” said Lieutenant-Colonel John McEachern, Commanding Officer. “With receiving our Camp Flag we have completed the process of returning to our roots as the Cape Breton Highlanders.”
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For more information contact Captain Colette Brake 36 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs Officer at 902-427-4468 (office) or 902-403-8258 (cell) or at colette.brake@forces.gc.ca