We would like to begin by thanking everyone for their ongoing support to the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign. We have reached 45% of our $220,000 goal which exemplifies our commitment to bettering our community. With your support, you’re helping an isolated senior remain independent, you’re providing funding for life-saving medical research, you’re making sure a child receives a nourishing meal at school or you’re helping prevent or relieve youth homelessness. CFB Kingston is a proud contributor to these worthwhile ends through the local United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. We encourage individuals and units to continue fundraising activities to raise awareness, but also to consider payroll deductions as this is where 90% of donations come from annually. The community goal is $3.8M to fund the 54 agencies that depend on UW KFL&A to deliver their programs. With your help, we can reach our goal and help those who need it most as the holiday season approaches.
As we all know, the month of November is a time of solemn remembrance for the Defence community. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the brave soldiers, sailors and aviators who came before us. November 8th is Indigenous Veterans Day. The First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service that deserves proper recognition. Of course, November 11th is Remembrance Day, and everyone is encouraged to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in their community. Ceremonies on Base and in the community include:
- The RCEME ceremony will take place at the McNaughton Gate (RCEME Gate) situated on Hwy 2 across from McDonalds on Nov 11th, 2023, at 10:50. Spectators who wish to attend the ceremony are requested to be on site NLT 1035. Dress is DEU 1A for military personnel.
- The Vimy Gate ceremony will take place at the Vimy Gate Memorial monument on Nov 11th, 2023, at 10:45. The Vimy Gate Memorial is located at the entrance to CFSCE off highway 2. Spectators who wish to attend the CFJSR / CFSCE ceremony are requested to be on site NLT 10:40. Dress is DEU 1A for military personnel and all are welcome.
- The ceremony will take place at the Barriefield village monument on Nov 11th, 2023, at 10:40. The Barriefield Cenotaph is located at the Barriefield Rock garden on James Street. Spectators who wish to attend the 1st CDN Div ceremony are requested to be on site NLT 1035. Dress is DEU 1A for military personnel.
- RMC Remembrance Ceremony at the Memorial Arch; the ceremony will take place at the Memorial Arch on the Royal Military College campus on Nov 11th, 2023, at 10:45. The Memorial Arch is located at the Northwest part of the campus on Valour Drive near Highway 2. Spectators who wish to attend are requested to be on site NLT 10:40. Dress is DEU 1A for military personnel. All are welcome.
- Artillery Remembrance Ceremony at the RCHA Memorial in City Park; and
- Naval Remembrance Ceremony at Navy Memorial Park; and
- The City of Kingston Remembrance Ceremony, hosted by Prince of Wales Own Regiment will take place at the Cross of Sacrifice at MacDonald Park. Spectators who wish to attend the ceremony are requested to be on site NLT 1035. Dress is DEU 1A for military personnel.
Following whichever ceremony you choose to attend, please consider visiting a Royal Canadian Legion or one of the local Service Clubs to connect with our Veterans. Your presence will make a difference in their lives!
Veterans’ Week also includes the National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program, which needs volunteers to share their experiences and help educate Canadians on our proud heritage. If you are interested, please contact the CFB Kingston Public Affairs Office CFBKGNPAO-BFCKGNOAP@forces.gc.ca.
Many of us will know someone that was killed on operations in Afghanistan or during other missions abroad, or that succumbed to an Operational Stress Injury, and this time of year can be difficult for many of us. If that is the case for you, please know that you are not alone and there are supports in place to help you through these difficult times. The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program is available 24/7 to regular and reserve force members, their parents, siblings, and dependents. This can be accessed by phone at 1-800-268-7708, or by online chat Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
