By Kerri Tadeu/Today’s Northumberland
Canadian Armed Forces members of the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment started a 110 kilometre Ruck March at noon on March 11, 2020 in Cobourg carrying approximately 35 pounds and carrying the weight of a weapon.
Their destination is Picton where the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment was formed in 1920. Rucking is walking with a weighted rucksack and requires strength, endurance, and character.
The “Plough Jockeys” anticipate it will take 24 hours to Ruck March 110 km overnight to raise Mental Health awareness and funds for Wounded Warriors Canada completing their Ruck March on the 100th Anniversary of the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment.
Wounded Warriors Canada Mission Statement reads “To honour and support Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families”. Wounded Warriors Canada values “Creating an innovative approach to mental health care for Veterans, First Responders and their families using clinical best practices and evidence-based care.”
Wounded Warriors Canada’s Partnerships Director Steve Topham was present today to thank the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment members for their initiative that supports Canadian Armed Forces members.
“It’s really outstanding that the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment members initiated such a remarkable event for the 100th Anniversary of their Regiment,” said Commanding Officer of the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment, LCol Chris Comeau.
“When we stand together, we stand a chance”, said Comeau of their collective efforts to affect change for their members which coincides with their exceptional Regimental History.
The Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment can officially trace it lineage back to 1863 and unofficially, its roots back to the War of 1812. A Regiment that has seen literally thousands of Canadian men and women from every walk of life serve Canada in both peace and in war. A Regiment that has fought in every major engagement Canada has been involved in even before Confederation.
A Regiment strong in history and tradition and a Regiment that continues to serve three garrisons strong throughout Southeastern Ontario. From its modest beginnings as several local militia units in 1800 to being awarded forty two Battle Honours and winning more Battle Honours during WWII than any other Canadian Infantry Regiment, the Hasty Ps have served well and selflessly when called upon, always living up to The Regimental motto: PARATUS…. meaning ‘ready’ in Latin.
Welcoming the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment members today at Victoria Hall was Mayor John Henderson, Chief of Police Paul VandeGraaf and members of the Cobourg Police Pipes and Drums.
The first stop on the march was at the Grafton Legion on County Road 2. Members of the Ruck March stopped for lunch and were given a cheque for $200 for Wounded Warriors before departing on their journey.
If interested in supporting this remarkable initiative go to this link www.GoHastyP.com/woundedwarriors and don’t forget “If in doubt Ruck it out!”
For those interested in joining the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment located in Belleville, Cobourg and Peterborough 613-966-2108 or Hast.PER.Recruiting@Forces.gc.ca
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
