Thousands turned out to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) at CFB Edmonton Saturday.
Col. Trevor Cadieu said the event was also an opportunity to say thanks to Canadians for their support.
“It is a great opportunity for us to showcase our soldiers, their families and our equipment and welcome Canadians onto the base here in Edmonton.”
According to the Colonel-In-Chief of the PPCLI, Adrienne Clarkson, they have played an important part in Canadian military history.
“We were raised for the First World War by a private citizen, Hamilton Gault, who paid for it out of his own pocket with the equivalent of about $2 million now.”
The Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry was first formed in August of 1914 in Ottawa.
According to the website the Charter of the Regiment was signed on Aug. 10 and the next day mobilization began.
It took just eight days before the Regiment had a full complement of experienced officers and men.
“Because they were raised so quickly they were then sent to England to training and they were, as they say, first in the field and they were already on the battlefield in February of 1915,” Clarkson explained.
Since then they have played a part in wars and peacekeeping missions around the world.
“We have been heavily involved in operations abroad and here in Canada as well,” Col. Cadieu said.
Mayor Don Iveson said he was not surprised at the turnout.
“It is quite a thing for Edmonton to play host to this great anniversary.”
Over 1,800 members of the regiment have been killed and many more wounded in its 100-year history.
Something that those who now serve said was reason to mark the occasion.
“Just to see the honour and the tradition and the loyalty and to see everyone come out here to celebrate is really awesome,” Private Alex Teichroebsaid.
Events to commemorate the anniversary will be held in Edmonton, Ottawa and Frezenbuerg, Belgium.
With files from Sarah Richter
