Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Memorial Baton arrives in Winnipeg

News Release

August 28, 2014 - Winnipeg, Man.

The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, welcomed runners from the 2^nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI) Memorial Baton Relay team into Winnipeg at the Manitoba Legislature today in recognition of the PPCLI’s 100^th Anniversary celebrations.

Quick Facts

Approximately 50 soldiers from 2 PPCLI are travelling across five provinces, retracing the symbolic route taken by the Originals of the Regiment as they marshalled for service in 1914 on the eve of the First World War. They carry with them a baton that contains a scroll on which is written the names of the 1 866 Patricias who have fallen in active service to Canada.
The 2^nd Battalion was based in Winnipeg for 34 years until June 2004, and was also the unit in which Sgt Tommy Prince served when he re-enlisted at the start of the Korean War.
The Memorial Baton Relay will make 21 stops between Edmonton, Alberta and Ottawa, Ontario, travelling as far east as Montréal, Québec. Before arriving in Winnipeg, the Memorial Baton Relay team ran through Medicine Hat, Alberta and Moosomin, Saskatchewan.
NHL Alumni Dave ‘Tiger’ Williams and Actor/Director Paul Gross will act as Honorary Team Captains at various locations along the route.
A Centennial Display featuring historical storyboards, period uniforms and historical artifacts is available for public viewing at Canadian Tire, 3615 Portage Ave, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is one of many events for the PPCLI this year as the Regiment marks its 100^th Anniversary. An Edmonton Commemoration was held from August 7 to 10 and included a Centennial Parade and other activities. The Ottawa Commemoration will be held September 18 to 21, and will include a sunset ceremony and Freedom of the City para de to mark this historic event.

Quotes

“Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry are celebrating a century of service to Canada, with the last 100 years marked by exceptional dedication and professionalism of its ranks. This regiment is an important part of our proud military history and the history of Manitoba.”
Honourable Shelly Glover, MP for Saint Boniface and Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“The PPCLI Memorial Baton Relay is not only a way to connect the Edmonton and Ottawa commemorations during our centennial year, but it is also a chance for Canadians to meet the soldiers of their Canadian Armed Forces and learn a bit about the important role the Patricias have played in Canadian history.”
Lieutenant-General Ray Crabbe, CMM, MSC, CD (Retired), Colonel of the Regiment

Associated Links

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Contacts

Captain Christine Salt
Public Affairs Officer
1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
Phone: 780-700-2197
Christine.Salt@forces.gc.ca

Grant Cree
Director of Public Relations
PPCLI 100th Anniversary Office
Phone: 780-940-3228
grant@grantcree.ca

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Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Memorial Baton arrives in Winnipeg

News Release

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