As Canada continues to mark the centennial period of the First World War and important battles in the Second World War, Spruce Meadows is paying tribute to the country’s soldiers.
Salute to the Military honours Canadian Forces past and present with displays, artefacts and ceremony.
“The North Ameican is a celebration of traditions. The Canadian military is a big part of that,” said Caroline Grant, media co-ordinator for Spruce Meadows.
One of the more spectacular events this week is Feu de Joie. Translated from French, “fire of joy” is a celebratory 100-man rifle salute in which all the soliders fire blank rounds in a cascade down the line and back. “If it’s done right, it sounds like a zipper,” said Warrant Officer Christopher Zubkowski.
Steeped in military history, this is a special treat for Spruce visitors as the ceremony is usually only performed for heads of state or members of high ranking in the military. The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) will perform it Saturday and Sunday about 1 p.m. in the International Ring.
“It’s a ceremonial drill movement to express our gratitude. We’re happy to be part of this tradition of Spruce Meadows and to be guests of the Southern family,” said Major Paul Leonard. “The Southern family has been very involved in our regiment, and Ron Southern was a big help to us in getting our mounted troop going.
“We owe them so much for their contributions to the Lord Strathconas and to the city and province.”
Sgt. Todd Giberson of Lord Strathcona’s Horse sets up exhibits from the Military Museum in the upper plaza during the Spruce Meadows North American.
Another highlight for history buffs is the involvement of the Military Museums. The Twin Peaks tent in the International Plaza includes a sampling of items from the Museums. There are battle helmets, ration tins, artillery shells and trench art along with uniforms, medals and photographs covering the history of the military from U.N. peacekeeping missions through First and Second World wars and Afghanistan.
One of the most poignant displays is that of War Stories 1917: personal stories of young Canadian soldiers, many of whom never returned from war.
Visitors can read about Blood Tribe warrior Mike Mountain Horse; John George Pattison, a Vimy Ridge hero; and Honorable Lieut.-Col. Canon Scott, a reverend whose son was killed in the Battle of Somme. He travelled three days to reach the battlefield, and then, under the cover of darkness amid gunfire, he searched the dead to find his boy’s body to give him a proper burial.
“It’s such an interesting story. He wasn’t a soldier, but he served in every battle in the first division and was seriously wounded,” said Sgt. Todd Giberson with Lord Strathcona’s Horse. “It’s estimated a quarter-million people lined the streets at his funeral — he was so beloved.”
All seven units of the Military Museums have items on display this week, and there will also be armoured fighting vehicles the public can explore. On hand in the Upper Plaza will be a Leopard 2 main battle tank, a Leopard recovery vehicle and a fully maintained Sherman tank from the Second World War.
Active soldiers and reservists will be on hand all weekend to answer questions.
