The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial

The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial - RCR Association Contribution - UPDATE

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The Royal Canadian Regiment Association presented a cheque for $2,650 to the Afghanistan Memorial project. The RCR has lost over 30 members to the conflict in Afghanistan and saw the significance of contributing to the project so families can come to reflect.

Pictured from left; CWO Jim McKenzie, Alan Fowler (President of the Ottawa & District Branch & a National Director), Mayor John Williams, Iain MacLean (President of the Quinte Branch & Director), LCol Christian Roy.

Photo courtesy of Emily Mountney.

For further info go to: www.afghanistanmemorial.ca

The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial - RCR Association Contribution

All,

Please read the email recieved below. We as an Association have been approached to donate. Of the 155 names that will be initially engraved on the Memorial, at least 28 will be Royal Canadians as well as a number of others who didn't wear the 8 Pointed Star but were members of an RCR Battle Group at the time of their deaths.

Yesterday, at the monthly National Board meeting (27 Oct), members of the Board voted in favour of contributing 1.5K to the campaign from national funding. As well, it was recommended that we pass the word to each of our Branches in order to solicit further contributions. Branches are under no obligation to do so; however, at least one Branch (Home Station) has already indicated that they will donate $500.

At the moment, we don't see a formal presentation before Dec of this year (possibly a bit later). Should Branches wish to contribute they can send their donations to National HQ c/o RHQ. Arrangements will then be made for a formal presentation to the organizing committee. We will arrange as well to ensure that those Branches that wish to contribute are suitably recognized in some sort of fashion. Should Branches wish to make a contribution on their own behalf directly to the organizing committee, that is the Branch's prerogative.

Our National President, Randy Kemp, is the OPI for this activity.

Pro Patria

Bob McBride
Chairman, National Board of Directors
The Royal Canadian Regiment Association

The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial

The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial will be a beautiful, permanent memorial honouring our Canadian soldiers – the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the war in Afghanistan. Set in a park like setting on the beautiful Bay of Quinte and with 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Trenton – Canada's largest Air Force base nearby, the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial will be a fitting tribute not far from where Canadian repatriation ceremonies occur and at the beginning of our fallen soldiers' journey along the Highway of Heroes, from Trenton to Toronto. These motorcades see thousands of Canadians on many of Highway 401's overpasses paying tribute to those killed in action, and their families, all the way to Toronto.

The Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial's design was selected from many entries; each designed to honour our nation's recognition of the loss of sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers and mothers. Sadly, 155 Canadian service members have fallen to date in this conflict.

The Memorial site will be approached by a walkway from a dedicated parking area off Highway 2 on the east side of Trenton at RCAF Road alongside the base. The Monument itself is in a quiet and reflective low walled area containing 2 large granite maple leafs – one in red granite inscribed with the Canadian Forces emblem and Provincial shields. The other leaf is in black granite etched to depict a family's loss with a solitary soldier in black granite depicting a fallen comrade and contains the names of those who have died in the conflict.

The entire site is designed to be reflective and contemplative in character and harmonize with its surroundings. Within the Memorial's circular form, two granite benches will provide seating for those who come to reflect and enjoy the peace and beauty of the memorial site and park.

In addition to the monuments, flags and walkways, the Memorial will be professionally landscaped with shrubbery, plants, flowers and trees. It will also be lighted and maintained year round.

For further info go to: www.afghanistanmemorial.ca