On Sunday 5^th June, 2022 at 2:00 pm the Princess Louise Fusiliers (PLF) commenced a Change of Command Parade. A storied military tradition that has been taking place in Halifax since the unit was founded June 18^th 1869.

History of the PLF

As an officially constituted unit of Canada, The Princess Louise Fusiliers were authorized in 1867. During the unit’s history, it has undergone several name changes. On November 5, 1869, the regiment was named the 66th The Halifax Battalion of Infantry.

Ten years later, on November 14, 1879, the regiment was once again renamed, this time to the 66th Battalion “Princess Louise” Fusiliers, named for Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the Marquess of Lorne, Governor General of Canada at the time. It was shortly after this point in which the regiment received its first battle honour, when they helped suppress the North-West Rebellion of 1885. 

Commanding Officers Background

The Commanding Officer (CO) is an officer in command of a military unit. The commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit and is given wide latitude to run the unit as they see fit, within the bounds of military law. 

A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another. The passing of colors, standards, or ensigns from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its soldiers is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of soldiers to their unit’s commander.

In front of the Iconic newly renovated North Facing wall of the Halifax Armouries the change of command parade commenced. In front of family, friends, military dignitaries and the public. Words of encouragement, remembrance and appreciation were delivered and received with gratitude everyone understanding the gravity and importance of the moment.

I’ve grown tremendously the last few years and I attribute this primarily to the positive influences and leadership around me. In any organization you are only as good as your leadership, within the Canadian Armed Forces the most important position within any unit is that of the Commanding Officer (CO).

As a Jr. Officer it’s been my duty and job to learn and I’ve had the best example’s to look up too. LCol Pitcher took over command of the PLF in 2019 and guided and led our organization throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. As a unit we persevered and stay connected and mission ready despite the many obstacles, protocols and challenges that were constantly coming at us.

LCol Matthews is now the new Commanding Officer of the PLF. I know Ma’am to be an incredibly compassionate and demanding leader who is a gifted communicator. She gives clear direction and shares expectations on the standard of excellence that must be sustained by all within the unit.

Embodying that high standard is what has elevated her to this honourable position. It is also why she has broken a glass ceiling being the first female commanding officer in 36 Canadian Brigade history. It was an honour to witness this historic and timeless tradition and to see two of the greatest leaders I’ve ever known exchange command from one to the other.

Photo Credits: 36 Canadian Brigade Group, PAO

Tribute

Staff, Family, Friends and Clergy.

Thank you for the honour and opportunity to share a few words.

The essence of love and devotion I couldn’t ask for a better grandma. Together with my Nanny in Nova Scotia you were the perfect partnership in raising me. I’m Toronto born, I’m of Jamaican and Maroon blood, War of 1812 decedent, Canadian. These Toronto streets, this very chapel are where my most earliest memories were made.

I can remember like yesterday, it’s Friday afternoon, recess I’m in grade 5 and I’m beyond excited knowing by dinner that evening I’ll be at Jane and Woolner with the best stew chicken in the world together with my cousins we were so lucky to have you. Your love, care and wisdom a constant unrelenting steady and strong the rock we could all depend on.

You were so much fun, you loved me, you loved your friends, family , grandchildren and most of all god he was always first in your life, he was your amazing grace. I’ll forever be grateful for your compassion and positive energy, your confidence and hardworking example. The determination, resilience and your exceptional sense of humor, I’ll miss our conversations and the sound of your laughter. Grandma I love you very much and I’m thankful to have had your love and influence in my life. I’ll always honour and remember the lessons you shared, until we meet again.

– Jerome L. Downey, Grandson

Myrna Loy Williams Tribute Video

Benediction

Grandma

Good afternoon.

It is my honour to speak to you today on behalf of my grandmother. She was born, raised and schooled in the parish of St Mary, Jamaica. On December 30th, 1973 she was granted her landed immigrant status here in Canada. As you all know her children include my Aunt Rose, Uncle Dave and my Dad Dane. She has several siblings that she would tell endless stories about on a regular basis I could never keep up.

She is so much a part of who I am that even though I knew she would one day leave us, I can’t quite believe she is gone. She was always a present part of our everyday lives in such a tangible way. She was truly the matriarch of this family.

My grandmother wore many hats and I mean literally…. we each had a name for her wither it was , sister, ma, mum, mama, grandma or Miss Myrna. As a child I would call her blue grandma alongside my mothers mom pink grandma. I remember how excited she was when I shared a I was expecting, my first baby. Great-grandma was too hard to say, so she became known as gigi. The kind of love my Grandma felt for us was love without condition. My cousins and I would be with our grandmother every weekend…. it was our weekly link up for as long as I can remember. Some of my greatest memories with her include the bus church trips, pathfinders and her amazing dishes which I’m sure you will hear mentioned. Rocky and I would put on her church dresses and spin around the living room attaching toilet paper to a pencil performing with Jerome and Shae being the judges.

She may not have approved of everything we did, may not have liked some of the decisions we made, but she kept loving us, letting us know that she was there and if we ever needed her, we could count on her to listen, to comfort…. even help. She could be stubborn and strongly defend her own opinions especially when it came to what she was NOT allowed to eat however it didn’t take much to make her happy – a phone call, a card, a visit, a kiss before saying good night, watching the raptors or even watching one of her favorite movies the bodyguard. We were the most important people in the world to her. She lived to make our lives better and was extremely proud of every single one of us.” She lived a Christian life, trusted her faith and love for the Lord to provide for her needs, and he did.

I think that Grandma has prayed for almost everyone in this room hundreds of times. Her prayers were extremely long growing up because she would name every single person individually. She was always happy to encounter with others and this of course meant that she had another person to pray for. I remember her telling me several times that she prayed for me daily, and I am sure that many of you can say the same. She has been a great spiritual guide, and inspiration for many of us. My grandmother was baptized with West Toronto Seventh Day Adventist Church the 27th of April 1991. Many of her accomplishments include being selected as a church deacon, spiritual and religious care at the youth assessment center, prison ministry where of course she added more people to to her personal prayer list and those are just to name a few.

That constant loving presence she gave really shapes a person. There was magic in my grandmothers touch and sunshine in her smile. there was love in everything she did to make our lives worthwhile. We found both hope and courage just by loving in her eyes. Her laughter was a source of joy, her words warm and wise. There was a kindness and compassion found in her embrace. Your love for us is definitely unmatched… We love you…. I love you and until we meet again sleep peacefully mama.

– Krista N. Latendresse, Granddaughter

Funeral Service

Celebrating the Life of Myrna Loy Williams
Sunrise: June 4, 1937 – Sunset: March 28, 2022
Funeral services for Myrna Loy Williams
Toronto West Seventh Day Adventist Church
Toronto, Canada
Thursday, April 21, 2022
10 a.m.

Burial Ceremony

“It is not titles that honour men, but men that honour titles” – Niccolo Machiavelli

A Vimy Ridge Moment

Approaching Vimy Ridge you see the Canadian and France flag flying high beside each other, then just beyond there it is the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. I’ve made the pilgrimage, I’m in awe, with each step closer you start to realize the names of our fallen are chiseled into the stone at this point I’m overwhelmed.

I spent a good amount of time exploring the grandeur of Sculptor Walter Allwards masterpiece taking in the moment. Looking up and out towards the battle field where so many made the ultimate sacrifice I read the quote below.

“This monument was built by the people of Canada as a tribute to their countrymen who fought in the Great War and, particularly, to the more than 66,000 men who gave their lives.“

This is sacred ground even Adolf Hitler understood its importance and protected it during WW2. While other nations WW1 monuments were desecrated and destroyed during the Nazi occupation of France Vimy was left untouched because it is a monument to peace, not a celebration of war.

It’s said the bravery and honor that the Canadians fought with during the Battle of Vimy was the birth of our nation our coming out moment at the global international stage. It’s important to not allow the freedom that we fought for to ever go in vain, pessimism is easy to accept, thinking the worst almost a default for many, however after visiting the Vimy Memorial my resolve and outlook of optimism has never been greater, despite the fear and anxiety gripping the world we must not forget to look up and out and keep moving forward with the bravery and courage of our ancestors following each step.

Map of Battle Death–“Body Density Map”, 1918

“Why I am proud to be Canadian and serve Canada is because everyone is free to be them, and your possibilities are endless!” – Capt. Jenn Casey

Captain Casey and I grew up together, we were friends and shared a love of sports, our community and country. I remember the High School term project we did together in grade 10. The task was to write a feature news article and video production on someone who inspired us. We both looked at each other and instantly agreed, we would do our project on our English Teacher Mr. Wade Smith the very person who assigned us the project.

He inspired us both not only as a North End Halifax hero, but because he taught us to believe in our dreams and to have the courage to live them. Although heavy hearted, I think most Canadians are as optimistic as Jim Pattison.  Jenn was special for so many reasons her integrity, loyalty, professionalism and passion was second to none.

Although my focus remains steady on OpLASER, the spirit of #OpINSPIRATION will forever be with me especially now. The only way I know how to salute the Ma’am and our fallen from OpREASURENCE is to stay focused on, What’s Important Now a winning attitude is key.  During last summer training BMOQ-A 1905, the message of priority was always “Mission, Soldiers and Self.” I took that mindset to heart and will for the rest of my life. Capt. Casey will always be remembered as a true servant leader, who displayed the values of the Warrior Ethos.

What was accomplished in the AIR will continue on LAND with coordinated community support and the power of CFLC I’m sure. Jenn was a true comrade her intelligence and witty nature will be truly missed. Captain McDougall, wishing you a full and speedy recovery, Sir. My eternal respect, gratitude, prayers and thoughts are with all friends, teammates and family of Capt. Casey her leadership, bravery and honor will never be forgotten.

2 Lt. Downey

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