Social fabric of the military community in Thunder Bay
In Thunder Bay we have a thriving and active military presence, which consists of all branches of the Armed Forces. This includes regular forces, and reserve forces as well as the Cadet Corps, and Legions with several branches who are committed to remembering the sacrifice we paid as a nation to acquire the freedom we enjoy today.
This dynamic group translates into a large economic contribution to our community through productive and well trained employees and business owners.
This contribution was noted in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ section of the Chronicle Journal on March 5th, 2010. The writer commended two soldiers who had come upon a serious accident and immediately took control of the situation, directing traffic and attending to the accident victim until emergency services arrived on the scene.
Our military community also contributes to the city’s social network. The 63 year old tradition of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment and Garrison Officers Mess Military Ball is one such example (still put on by my request). This was once the premier social event of the city, where the military community, city V.I.P.s, and the invited public would attend. It was considered an honour to receive an invitation!
In recent years, the format has changed, but it still remains a formal Military Ball with full dress uniforms and formal attire for all attendees.
One would think that this alone would constitute a busy enough social program, but the junior officers and all ranks of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment host their very own St. Andrew’s Day Dinner, though not quite as formal (uniforms and ball gown are primarily worn by the soldiers and their ladies or gentlemen attendees). This traditional event is ‘by invitation only’, and is anticipated each year as close to the actual St. Andrew’s Day (November 30th) as possible.
The Lake Superior and Garrisons Officers Mess also have a very busy social calendar which includes Mess Dinners, Dining Ins (which are less formal and can include non military guests). A Mess committee is charged with providing monthly social events such as beer, wine and scotch tastings and dinners, an annual Jazz Night, Halloween Party, Pasta Night, and of course regular Friday nights at the Mess with social conversation over a couple of libations provided by the Mess Bar Steward.
We are a unique and connected community with roots going back to the time of Fort William...
There is also a relatively new tradition that has only been around for some 20 years, the Annual Garden Party. This event was started by the 18th Service Company Senate in a combined effort with the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment Senate. This event is held at a private residence, under an army tent allowing for all branches of the military to get together in an informal setting for a relaxed afternoon of good food and camaraderie!
Many have enjoyed attending the much anticipated Trafalgar Ball, celebrated by the Navy for many years. This year however, the Navy celebrated their 100th Anniversary with a Gala Ball held at the H.M.C.S. Griffon on April 30th. The event had over 200 people attending including soldiers and sailors of all military stripes, including the United States Navy.
H.M.C.S. Griffon Commander L. John Bell CD, and his team put on a memorable evening which included the McGillivray Pipes & Drums and accomplished Air Command Band, who provided the marches, and dance music for the evening.
Each year the New Year is welcomed in with the tradition of the Queen’s Levee going back to the formation of the units within the Garrison. This tradition has and will be carried on for years to come and has been adopted by other branches of the Armed Forces as well as Legions and some community churches.
The Support the Troops fundraiser formerly hosted by the L.S.S.R. Association, and now by past and present members of the L.S.S.R, has become an annual event.
I would be remiss if I did not include another important social network within the military. The Military Family Resource Centre’s (M.F.R.C. for short) whose function is to provide support for families of soldiers who have gone overseas. They are located at the H.M.C.S. Griffon main building and provide everything from daycare, to sleigh rides. Evelyn Harrison is the co-coordinator and Director of the M.F.R.C., and a dedicated supporter of these families.
All of these social functions join the community together in solidarity with the military family in Thunder Bay. These traditions will continue through celebratory and traditional events. We are fortunate to have a strong and active military presence in the Thunder Bay area. These social events sew the fabric of the military community and the community at large together.
We are truly a unique and connected community with roots going back to the time of Fort William. We anticipate continuing these traditions with pride for many generations to come.
