Consecration of Colours
Saturday, May 26, 2001

Short History of Military Colours

One of the most sacred symbols of any people is their flag, an emblem that is a visible sign of the soul of the nation. From the very earliest times, banners or similar devices have been used by fighting bodies, both on land and sea, to act as a rallying-point and signal. From the very fact of its practical value as a rallying-point, the banner - or standard - began to exercise a moral influence.

This is already seen in fully developed form in the days of the Roman Empire, when the loss of the Eagle was the greatest disgrace a legion could sustain. Similarly, the colours of later time became an embodiment of the spirit of the unit, the link binding the members of the time with the veterans of the past.

Dating from the time of Queen Anne’s reign (1702-1714), Queens and Regimental colours have been carried by units of the commonwealth, including the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Royal Canadian Legion adopted Legion colours at its founding convention in 1927.

The flags are:

The Canadian Flag
The Union Flag
The BC Flag
The UN Flag
The Branch 54 Legion Flag

Colour Party
Seargent at arms:

Comrade T.L. Orser CD
Comrade P.L. Leonard
Comrade L.J. Myers CD
Comrade P.T. Lott CD
Comrade A.C. Campbell
Comrade T.M. Chorney CD

In addition to this ceremony the Lieutenant Governor of BC, the Honorable Garde B. Gardom QC,K.ST.J., awarded Canadian Peacekeeper medals to those that have served their country in peacekeeping rolls. The following are those that received the medal:

Comrade R.E. Clark MM,CD
Comrade T.L. Orser CD
Comrade A.E. Davies CD
Comrade M.D. Greer CD
Comrade P. McBride CD
Comrade L.J. Myers
Comrade R.M.L. Jones CD
Comrade R.C. Sluggett CD
Comrade J.A. Willett CD
Comrade J.E.A. Williams CD
Comrade D.A. McDonald CD
Comrade H.K.K. Gapman CD
Comrade V.A. Heywood CD (Posthumously)
Comrade W.E. Taylor CD (Posthumously)

Band

Cowichan Pipes and Drums
Pipe- Major Dr. Gordon Pollock
Drum - Major R.L. Smith CD
Lead Drummer - D.S. Fells

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