Members of government and high military officials speaking to a large crowd at the Marco Polo Cruise Ship terminal.
The special announcement marks the official name change of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment of New Brunswick to it’s historic and original title, “The Loyal Company”. Being created in 1793, the artillery regiment is one of the oldest in Canada.
UNB’s Dr. Lee Windsor tells us the change honours and recognizes the regiments contributions to the War of 1812, World Wars and more. Windsor says “The Loyal Company” is a foundation of our modern Canadian army, and the name change connects us to our past.
The Loyal Company’s name was changed in 1975 for multiple reasons, but MP Rodney Weston says in the minds of people here the name never left. Weston had approached Defense Minister Peter McKay about restoring the name earlier this year.
Lieutenant-Colonel Steve Strachan says the regiment is better equipped than it was 220 years ago, but it’s still a citizen army made up of members of the community in Greater Saint John.
