Wishing all our troops, here and abroad

a Happy Canada Day!

We are always by your side!

Ministers MacKay and Fantino Celebrate Canada Day with Troops in Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN--(July 1, 2012) - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, and Major-General Jonathan Vance, Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff, were in Afghanistan today to celebrate Canada Day with Canadian Forces members deployed in support of Op ATTENTION, Canada's contribution to the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan. "It is with the utmost pride that I have the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day with the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces," said Minister MacKay. "Our personnel serving in Afghanistan continue to make great strides in their mission. Their strength, perseverance and leadership are a source of pride and inspiration for Canadians everywhere, and remind of the greatness that our country can achieve." "I am honoured to celebrate Canada Day among some of Canada's best and bravest here in Afghanistan," said Minister Fantino. "The effort, integrity and unparalleled dedication of all Canadian Forces members to the fulfillment of their mission whether at home or abroad is truly remarkable." "Every time I return to Afghanistan I see the improvement that the combined work of Afghans and Canadians are making to the country," said Major-General Vance. "Efforts to improve conditions are apparent everywhere - and our Canadian Forces members continue to do incredible work, contributing to Afghanistan's future. I am proud to be with them here on Canada Day." During their visit, Ministers MacKay and Fantino met with Canadian Forces leadership and personnel, attended a medal ceremony for Canadian troops, met with Afghanistan's Minister of the Interior Bismillah Khan Mohammadi and participated in a town hall meeting. Minister MacKay also met with General John Allen, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, and with General Abdul Rahim Wardak, Afghanistan's Minister of Defence. The visit today concluded with a Canada Day BBQ and entertainment. Canadian Forces members were entertained by Glass Tiger, comedian Kelly Taylor, singer-songwriter Liz Coyles, and had an opportunity to meet former hockey players Tiger Williams and Mark Napier as part of a Team Canada visit to Afghanistan

Canada Day Parade in Cambridge, ON

A REMINDER of the upcoming parade on July 1st! Canada Day!

FOCSIA (Families of Soldiers Serving in Afghanistan) will be honouring all soldiers and celebrating Canada during Cambridge ON's Canada Day's largest Parade July 1st, 2008.
Join the soldiers' families along the parade route.. wear your RED - walk with them - but most of all ... honour our soldiers returned, preparing to deploy and those currently serving overseas.
The parade, consisting of approximately 120 -150 entries, will travel 4 kilometers along King Street (Preston) and will end inside Riverside park.

If you are a friend or family member of a soldier or a soldier yourself and would like to take in the parade:

Be at:

The Kinsmen Club of Preston 1400 Hamilton Street Cambridge

(use the following link http://maps.google.com/maps for directions)

no later than 12:15 p.m. for line up. Contact FOCSIA for further details.

The bulk of the parade will line up on Hamilton St. past the Kinsmen Club rooms.

Or show your support along the parade route!

Country's Largest Canada Day Parade
Where: starts from Bishop & King St. to Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON
When: July 1st, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

Fly-over by The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association

Support Group for Parents of Canadian Soliders in Afghanistan
FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN
If you are a parent or family member of a Canadian Soldier in Southwestern Ontario and you are looking for a support group, email for more information:

focsia@hotmail.com

or

kerrytownson@rogers.com

Families and Friends to Honour Soldiers at Cambridge's Canada Day Parade July 1st 2008

Cambridge was buzzes with pride and curiosity as thousands of spectators wait with great anticipation for the start of the parade celebrating Canada's 140th Birthday!

Once again, FOCSIA (Families of Soldiers Serving in Afghanistan) will be honouring all soldiers and celebrating Canada during Cambridge ON's Canada Day Parade July 1st, 2008.

Join the soldiers' families along the parade route.. wear your RED - walk with them - but most of all ... honour our soldiers returned, preparing to deploy and those currently serving overseas.

Country's Largest Canada Day Parade

Where: starts from Bishop & King St. to Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

When: July 1st, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

Fly-over by The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association

Support Group for Parents of Canadian Soliders in Afghanistan

FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN

If you are a parent or family member of a Canadian Soldier in Southwestern Ontario and you are looking for a support group, email for more information: focsia@hotmail.com or kerrytownson@rogers.com

Canada Day Parade

The Canada Day Parade in Cambridge was a great success! ... details coming soon....

A Day for Canada and Its Troops - Meaford

A day for Canada and its troops

July 01-07

Meaford rallied behind the country’s armed forces Sunday with a Canada Day parade downtown just a day after families in three provinces laid to rest the latest Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Children and adults wearing patriotic red and white, many with tiny red maple leaves inked on their skin, waved paper flags as troops from the nearby Land Force Central Area Training Centre Meaford marched by with delegates from dozens of Royal Canadian Legion branches.

People watching said they’re proud to wave the flag for such a great country on its 140th birthday. Scores of painted children in Canadiana gear and garb followed the soldiers. Many rode on flag-trimmed bikes or a 4-H float. They followed the marching pipe band and soldiers past store fronts trimmed to the day’s theme of “Support our Troops.
One merchant’s window displayed portraits of all 60 Canadian military personnel who have lost their lives in Afghanistan since 2002.

One of those fallen soldiers was second cousin to Betty and John Youson. The long-time, part-time Meaford residents said they appreciated the community’s effort to support Canada’s military and said they joined those watching to celebrate both the country and its soldiers.

“Obviously we’re here because we want to celebrate. I’m very proud of Canada,” John said as they watched the soldiers march along Sykes Street. “It’s a wonderful parade.”

Shirley and Alec Krulick of Cambridge also watched as patriots.

“It’s great to be a Canadian. What a wonderful country, one of the best in the world to live in,” Shirley said. “We support our troops. I’d like to see them come home soon, though.”

The parade was part of what co-organizer Lorraine Leslie, a community development coordinator with the Chamber of Commerce, called “extended” celebrations in Meaford this year for the nation’s birthday.

The nearby military training facility is an important part of the community and economy. Its presence is also a constant reminder of Canada’s current military role in Afghanistan. Several fallen soldiers trained at the Meaford base and many Meaford residents have connections to soldiers now serving in the war zone.

“We as Canadians have to support our troops and educate our young people about what is happening in Afghanistan,” Leslie said.

Military tanks and vehicles, weapons and other equipment now used in Afghanistan was set up at Meaford’s harbour as part of educational displays and the day also included entertainment, kids games, family activities and fireworks at dusk.

Rod MacAlpine, a former Meaford base commander until 1995, and now Chamber president, said the events in Meaford echo growing support across Canada for its armed forces. It’s a sharp contrast to public attitudes a decade ago, he said.

“It’s really nice to see the support for the Canadian Forces today. Unfortunately, it takes coffins coming home to bring that attention to the Canadian Forces,” he said.

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day
to our military families
and
to our soldiers overseas!

Show your colours today!
Remember our soldiers preparing to serve, serving, our Veterans, and our fallen soldiers.

Click on label above to view Canada Day messages from Afghanistan via CPAC.

Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan retired their camouflage fatigues today and sported some red and white in celebration of Canada Day.

Troops gathered around the boardwalk in Kandahar to raise a mug of Tim Horton's coffee and eat a few donuts.

"It's like finally getting a little taste of home, being surrounded by all this,'' Cpl. James Nickerson, 34, of Canso, N.S., said as walked the Kandahar boardwalk that was decorated with strings of Canadian flags.

"Now if it could only just snow.''

After an afternoon of sports events and contests, soldiers will gather for a barbecue and the coveted prize of the day -- two cold beer.

Labatt Breweries is sending a shipment of its signature Labatt Blue brand along with the good wishes of Canadians.

As part of its Message in a Blue Bottle program, Labatt is encouraging Canadians to show their support and appreciation by posting a Canada Day message to the troops on www.labattblue.ca

The size of the shipment of beer has to comply with military regulations but it will likely work out to a couple of beers for each of the approximately 2,500 members of the Canadian Forces now deployed in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

The shipment of beer is a long-standing tradition for Labatt. The company delivered 50 Anniversary Ale to Canadian soldiers during the Korean War in 1950-51.

"For me, it's just a great representation of our contribution over here,'' Sgt. Andy Smith, 42, based out of Petawawa, Ont., said of the festive events.

"When you see all the soldiers and all the civilian staff we have here taking part and helping run the events and participating in the events, it's awesome.''

Sgt. Steven Gardiner said Canada Day in Afghanistan was partly about remembering the soldiers who lost their lives.

"This is to celebrate what they gave up,'' Gardiner, a reservist from Hamilton, said.

"The freedom they're giving the Afghan people.''

Canada Day Parade - Support Our Troops

Support Our Troops
Canada Day Parade
Sunday, July 1st, 2007
1:00 pm
King and Bishop Sts
Cambridge, ON

Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan, along with several Afghan Veterans, will be proudly participating in Cambrige's Canada Day Parade.
If you'd like to assist or join us, are a soldier or family member, like to wear red and show your support for our troops, contact the committee liason person (by email): focsia@hotmail.com

The largest Canada Day parade in Canada, live bands, FREE games and activities, new beer garden, and the best fireworks in town. Entertain the entire family with activities all day and night! Parade starts at 1pm at King & Bishop Streets and ends at Riverside Park. Celebrate Canada Day Cambridge Style! All day events at Riverside Park start at 8am and end with fabulous fireworks display at dusk. Events include fishing derby, midway rides, and entertainment.