It’s Saturday morning and bleary eyed, I begin my long journey downtown. It’s late August and Toronto’s grand old lady – the Canadian National Exposition, CNE for short had just opened its doors the previous day. I’m on my way to take part in a tradition that has lasted almost as long as the CNE – Warriors Day. If all goes well I’ll make it in time to catch the troops as they muster for the parade outside the Princes’ Gate.

Even the best laid plans can go awry, but I found more than one Good Samaritan willing to help me find my way. This willingness to assist was a consistent theme that resonated with the veterans and their families.

At 10:30 I was still working my way towards the Princes’ Gates, hoping that there might still be some time to take some group shots of some of the veterans, if I hurry. I’d been told by more than a few participants that the parade never started on time. My heart sinks as I catch sight of members of the Metro Toronto Police mounted unit making their way down the parade route. The parade that never started on time did so this year. Again a Good Samaritan, in the form of the wife of a veteran, intervenes and suggests a good vantage point where I can take photos. They have participated in this parade a number of times over the years.

Established in 1921, Warriors Day was intended as a formal way to honour the veterans of the Great War, however the tradition of military parades and demonstrations at the CNE has stretched back to the inception of the event in 1879. In more recent years the parade and the activities surrounding it have honoured the contribution of Canada’s service men and women of Canada, past and present. The parade route begins at the Princes’ Gate and winds it through the CNE grounds to BMO Field, formerly known as Exhibition Stadium. Standing in the crowd, as it passes through the grounds and the midway, you can see the military formality and precision of those moving past, yet every so often you’ll catch a sly wink and a tiny smile to someone in the crowd. Spontaneous applause breaks out often along the route, and if you look on the faces of those in the crowd you might catch sight of a tear or two. Perhaps it’s in remembrance of someone who isn’t ever coming home, or the absence of one serving at far corners of the globe. As free citizens of a great country, we owe them so much – a debt that we can never fully repay. In these precious moments you can sense a strong connection between Canadians and those serving the Armed Forces. These are our relatives, friends and neighbours; men and women, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters; husbands and wives. We come to realize that they are not nameless, faceless people in uniform. We are all part of the same family.

The parade participants include not only veterans of Canada’s Armed forces but there are flags here from a number of nations. All present to acknowledge and honour Canada’s role on the international stage. This year the parade is dedicated to the Centennial of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC). Currently there are more than 7500 CIC officers who supervise 59000 cadets in 1156 sea and army cadet corps and air cadet squadrons across Canada. The CIC is one of the most diversified and active components of the Canadian Forces, providing role models, leadership and the best training possible to young boys and girls in their formative teen years and that they develop their skills to the fullest.

Like parades in previous years, the 2009 version of the Warrior’s Day Parade has been long and colourful one. Ninety minutes after the parade began, the last soldier passes by and then the crowd begins disperse wandering off to other destinations. A few join me as I make my way to the Canadian Forces Interactive Exhibit located on the Princes’ Boulevard. This is the fourth consecutive summer Forces have rolled out the welcome mat, at the CNE, inviting people to drop by, visit for a while and find out who these people are and what they do on our behalf. This is my second visit, but by the time I arrive at the display area, it’s already crowded with people who had just moments prior been onlookers at the parade. The first thing my eyes lock on is a rather large mock-up of the nose and cockpit of a Canada’s foremost fighter jet, the CF-18 Hornet. A long line of kids and adults are waiting for their chance to get inside the cockpit. At most of the other displays it’s a similar story.

It’s my turn to go and look at the neat stuff.

Close by the F-18, is an 81-MM Mortar. This artillery weapon is used primarily to provide indirect fire support. A well trained crew can pack this weapon and some ammunition over short distances. The young corporal manning this display tells me that one of the mortars tactical advantages is that it can be placed behind high cover like a wall and used to engage targets behind the same type of cover and provide support for friendly troops. It can fire about 20 rounds per minute and is currently being used by the troops in Afghanistan. Before I move to another display, a young boy and his father come up to corporal and ask if they can have their photo taken with him. I’m sure this is not the last time this young ambassador of the Canadian Forces with have his picture taken today.

Parked in close proximity to the 81 MM Mortar and the CF – 18 are a Tutor - CT-144 aircraft (flown by the Snowbirds), a ‘G’ Wagon (Light Utility Vehicle), the Coyote (one of the primary light armoured vehicles now used by the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan), a LAV lll (Light Armoured Vehicle with a 25 mm stabilized cannon and a RHIB,
(Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat). The story is similar at all these displays. Kids both young and not-so-young wait eagerly to explore and learn more about the equipment our military uses and of course there are lots of pictures being taken.

Near the far corner of the exhibit, a rather large wigwam reaches up to the sky with the name and logo of the Canadian Rangers boldly painted on its side. Parked outside is a rather impressive POLARIS 4 Wheel ATV and sleek looking snowmobile. According to Capt. Bob Monroe, these high performance vehicles are used by the Rangers in their patrols. Numbering more than 4,000 the Canadian Rangers have been in existence since 1947. Local knowledge of the landscape in Canada’s regions north of 60 has enabled the Rangers to act as the “eyes and ears” for the Canadian Forces. Just recently the Rangers have become a fully integrated part of the Canadian Forces. The Rangers numbers are due to increase to 5000 and their mission will no doubt expand as the Canadian Government has announced its intention to reinforce Canada’s sovereignty in the north.

Parked close to the Canadian Ranger’s wigwam, is a RHIB used by the Canadian Navy. The RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) are used for port security, boarding parties, search and rescue operations as well as essential transport of equipment and crew. The one on display at the CNE comes from HMCS York, a naval reserve unit that is stationed in Toronto. One of the missions of HMCS York is to enhance naval presence in Toronto by providing vessels and personnel for port security. RHIBs and their crews will be working in concert with the RCMP to provide security for the Vancouver Olympics.

One question that was constantly being asked of the Canadian Forces personnel manning the displays was “Were you over in Afghanistan? Or “Are you going serving over in Afghanistan?” The personnel that seemed to be getting that question the most were those who were working at a small display of land mines inside the main tent. I asked one of the soldiers present if the mines in the display were those used in Afghanistan particularly in some of the roadside bombings that have taken the lives of so many of our soldiers. He points at one of the two mines on display – a Russian type and explains that four of these mines are often stacked on top of each over creating enough destructive power to demolish almost any vehicle in current use by the Canadian Forces. He then shows me some images of vehicles that had taken the brunt of one of these explosive devices. There isn’t much left except maybe some metal fragments, rubber that is melted onto one of the rims and what looks like part of a windshield. I begin to understand the kind of dangers our troops are facing and how much we really need to support them both home and abroad.

As the day passes, I get the chance to chat with some of the soldiers and reservists manning the displays. I am amazed at the variety of their responsibilities and duties, many of which I had been totally unaware until today. These are young men and women from every region across Canada, representing our entire ethnic diversity are stationed in places throughout the world, far from home, represent some of the brightest young people Canada has to offer. Their commitment to their country and their units is very clear in their words and the pride and sense of accomplishment is evident on their faces and in their mannerisms. As Canadians, we have much to be proud of, and these men and women who dedicate their lives to our national objectives at home and abroad, are at the top of the list.