The Region of Waterloo Put On A First Class Send Off!
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008Yesterday afternoon the Region of Waterloo honoured our departing troops with a first class send off at the Region’s Administrative Building on Frederick Street.
Local politicians, family and friends, and media folk like me who support our troops, were there to show our respect and support for the local men who will be deployed to Afghanistan. The next rotation will see sixteen Royal Highland Fusiliers, two Combat Engineers, and a number of Regular Forces personnel with family ties here in our region heading to the War Zone.
Regimental Sergeant Major Mark Adam of our Royal Highland Fusiliers and Regional Chair Ken Seiling exchanged flags. This was really neat. The audience loved it! Our Royal Highland Fusiliers and other servicemen signed a Region of Waterloo Flag that will fly with them at their base in Afghanistan. When they return after six months they will bring our Region’s flag back with them signed by all our local soldiers who are serving during this rotation.
I would personally like to thank all of you who showed up wearing your Red Friday T-Shirts to show support for our troops. The entire Regional Council Chamber was filled to capacity on a hot summer day; and that says a lot about our community!
I’d like to applaud Regional Chair Ken Seiling for his short but perfect remarks. He said “This community has a long history of military service, regardless of what your political sentiments are, we always support our military.” Well said Ken!
On behalf of the families and friends, myself and other supporters of our troops; thank-you to the Region of Waterloo for an excellent send off. Lets hope and pray that these brave men all return safely.
Jeff Allan