Belgium's National Day Parade - Canadians will join the National Parade

OTTAWA, July 18, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - On the 21st of July, a delegation composed of members of the Guard and dignitaries of the Royal 22^e Régiment will participate in the military and civilian parade for Belgium's National Day, taking place at the Place des Palais in Brussels. The Royal 22^e Régiment was invited to parade alongside the Belgian Army in recognition of its military feats during the First World War. This initiative marks a common willingness to commemorate the centenary of the First World War as well as that of the 22^e Battalion (French Canadians), today the Royal 22^e Régiment.

The 22^e Battalion participated in numerous battles in Belgium, among which were Vierstraat, Kemmel, the Saint-Éloi Craters, Zillebeke, Mont Sorrel, Ypres, Passchendaele and the march to Mons. The 22^e Régiment distinguished itself brilliantly in combat and several of its members were decorated by the Belgian Government. Since then, the Royal 22^e Régiment has developed friendly ties with Belgian military members and units, among which are the Chasseurs Ardennis Battalion.   

During their stay in Belgium, the members of the Royal 22^e Régiment will visit the Ypres and Passchendaele battlefields in order to pay tribute to all men and women who fought to defend life, justice and freedom. The visit will be more than symbolic for the Royal 22^e Régiment, since its creation is intimately tied to the Great War.

Briefly

• The Royal 22^e Régiment participated in all armed conflicts, numerous peace-keeping and humanitarian aid missions in which Canada has been involved;
• It is one of the three Infantry Regiments of the Canadian Army Regular Force;
• As a francophone regiment, it served as a model for the whole of the Canadian Armed Forces in regards to the use of French as a working language. As a result of recommendations made by a royal inquiry commission implemented by the Government of Canada, the « 22^e » model has expanded to the Civil Service and the Private Sector, allowing many francophones to grow and work in French; and
• Following its stay in the United Kingdom and Belgium, the Royal 22^e Régiment will visit the Champs-Élysées historic sites as well as the Vimy battlefields in France.

Quotes

« Anywhere they are called to serve, the Royal 22^e Régiment members are a source of pride for all Canadians. They are loyal guardians of freedom and equality, values dear to Canada. »

Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army

« Since the creation of the Royal 22^e Régiment, its members have participated in all Canadian commitments, alongside its allies. It is an honour and a privilege to be invited to parade alongside our Belgian allies during this great day of celebration of the Belgian National Day Parade 2014.  »

Major-General Alain Forand (retired), Colonel of the Royal 22^e Régiment

Schedule of events in Europe in 2014

• Change of Guard of the Royal Palaces of London from the 14^th to the 19^th of July;
• Belgian National Day Parade and the visit to the Ypres and Passchendaele battlefields from the 20^th to the 22^nd of July; and
• Ceremony to « Rekindle the flame » at the Champs-Élysées in France and the visit to the Vimy battlefields from the 23^rd to the 26^th of July.

Related Links

www.facebook.com/100R22eR
www.R22eR.com/100e
www.lacitadelle.qc.ca/fr/
www.forcesimages.ca
#R22REurope

Links for the Canadian Army
Site Web de l'Armée canadienne
Facebook de l'Armée canadienne
Twitter de l'Armée canadienne
YouTube de l'Armée canadienne
Flickr de l'Armée canadienne

SOURCE: National Defence

Capitaine Julie L. Pagé, Officier des Affaires publiques, 2e Division du Canada, Tél. : [phone], [email protected], [email protected]