Calgary, Alberta — Three Calgary-based Army Reserve units, The Calgary Highlanders, The King’s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) and 14 (Calgary) Service Battalion, are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2010 and the milestone was marked at this year’s Calgary Stampede, held from July 9-18.
All three units were honoured in a very special way by the organizers of the Calgary Stampede. A currently serving member and a former member from each unit, plus a guest of their choice, were invited to attend the President’s Dinner, which is held each evening for VIPs.
“It’s just a privilege and an honour to be able to host them tonight,” said Teri McKinnon, a member of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors. “I think that for the Stampede to celebrate this centennial with them just means that we look forward to their contribution for another hundred years of a fantastic nation.”
Thomas Baker and Captain Darryl Watts of The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) take centre stage at the Calgary Stampede chuck wagon races. Since its inception in the early 1900s, there has been a military presence at the Calgary Stampede.
At the conclusion of the opening ceremonies, they were given VIP seating for the races and treated like royalty. Many Stampede-goers stopped by to thank the members for their service.
Captain Darryl Watts of The King’s Own Calgary Regiment recently returned from serving in Afghanistan. The evening was not only a night out with his wife but a welcome home and a thank you for a job well done.
“It’s good to return home to Calgary and see the respect and support of the people of Calgary and of strong civic organizations such as the Calgary Stampede,” said Capt Watts.
The three Calgary units trace their lineage back to the 103rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles), which was established on April 1, 1910 as a militia infantry regiment in the City of Calgary. The Reserve units celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2010 grew out of that regiment.
Article and photos by Sergeant Dan Milburn, Army News, Edmonton
