Thursday, August 16, 2012

Turning the military clock back to its proper time

Now that a full year has passed since the federal government boldly returned the main branches of the armed forces to their pre-1968 designations – the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force – a decision that delighted and perplexed many, and appalled some as a retrograde step, an annum of perspective would perhaps be a timely and welcome thing.

Certainly the unexpected announcement attracted a considerable amount of media attention and debate, and even ignited a few spasms during a traditionally slow news month. Although the restoration was supported by a solid majority of Canadians across all spectra, including a majority of federalist Quebeckers, the shrieks and howls emanating from some quarters lambasting the move, did cause a disproportionate stir.

For example, opposition defence critic Jack Harris was adamant that the royal name change should be avoided because it would be divisive to the country, a fear that fortunately never materialized. Military historian Jack Granatstein, for his part, disparaged the restoration as “abject colonialism”, which seemed an oddly irrelevant apprehension to hold in contemporary and fully independent Canada. There were a few others, but it was the exquisite irony of former defence minister Paul Hellyer’s criticism that the reinstatement would prove a “monumental blunder of historic proportions”, and one that will have “inevitably costly consequences”, that requires a little further elaboration to properly dispel.

Mr. Hellyer – surely the most transformative defence minister in Canadian history – was understandably upset that his unification legacy had been – at least symbolically – overturned. After all, it was his single-minded audacity in the 1960s that pushed through the most revolutionary change in the armed forces of any developed country in the last century, effectively abolishing the navy, army and air force and forming a new single service, the unified Canadian Armed Forces.

Economically the merger was a massive reorganization exercise intended to amalgamate the functions of the military, reduce triplication and create integrated efficiencies – an ostensibly worthy goal in and of itself. What occurred in 1968, however, went far beyond an economic initiative. It was also a regrettable assault on the very identities of the navy, army and air force; their ranks, uniforms, history, traditions, titles. For a country that had always moved cautiously in reforming its institutions, and that had in the previous fifty years fought two world wars and Korea, the shock of this caused enormous pain to over a million Canadian veterans as well as to most of all ranks who were serving at the time. Unification struck at the very heart of esprit-de-corps.

The self-defeating effort to disenfranchise our sailors, soldiers and air personnel from their traditional loyalties and hard won distinctions – especially the navy, the most embattled and deeply wounded of the three – was politically motivated by a determined desire to “cleanse the forces of their Britishness”, what C.P. Champion, author of The Strange Demise of British Canada, calls “the neo-nationalist attack on [Canada’s] military tradition”. Given the ubiquity of that heritage, Mr. Hellyer was of the mind that the most efficient way to “Canadianize” the services was to scuttle them in one dramatic blow. The proud RCN and RCAF had to go; our sailors and airmen were chastened into the unification straightjacket, and ludicrously forced to don rifle green outfits and adopt army ranks. If the amorphous, brave new Canadian Armed Forces was an impossible vehicle to rally morale, the troops would have to make do with bland bureaucratic distinctions like “Maritime Command” and “Air Command” or even “Land Force Command”. The whole reinvented apparatus was, at root, an uninspiring concoction, and therein laid its eventual fate.

Some vital traditions in fact were restored before they were even abandoned. In time, nearly all would be organically returned as the unification conformists gradually ceded to reality under successive governments. With the long overdue restoration of Canada’s battle-tried titles, our armed forces can proudly reclaim their inheritance. The reestablishment of these historic identities, as defence minister Peter MacKay announced one year ago today, “is an important way of reconnecting today’s men and women in uniform with the proud history and traditions they carry with them”, which will “once again serve as a timeless link between our veterans and serving soldiers, sailors and air personnel.”

The Hon. Paul Hellyer can rest easy in the knowledge that the perfectly sensible parts of his legacy remain firmly intact, and that thanks to his historic efforts the rebranded Canadian Forces continue to be one of the most functionally integrated militaries in the world today. But it was a bridge too far, and the country could have done without the temporary defacement of its naval and military heritage. The natural process of “Canadianization” was, after all, inevitable.

Indeed, the recovery of that heritage is a happy occasion, and one that Canadians rightly support and respect. The names and deeds of the RCN, RCAF and the regiments and corps of the Canadian Army are deepened in loyal and devoted service and distinctly forged in battle. They deserve all the honours that have been bestowed upon them. Glottal stops, notwithstanding.

70 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that's both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the
    nail on the head. The problem is something which not enough
    men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy I came across this during my hunt for something concerning this.

    my web-site payday loan direct lenders

    ReplyDelete
  3. Obvіously, you'll be able to go to sites as You - Tube at which you might locate lots of funny vids. Yet another way to construct a device to harness energy from radio waves is using an antenna, connected to a series of diodes and a capacitor bank that is earthed. A MOBILE APP GIVES THE STATION A DIRECT MARKETING CHANNEL TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR LISTENERS.

    my blog post :: youtube converter

    ReplyDelete
  4. Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The
    clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you're an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

    my homepage instagram follwers

    ReplyDelete
  5. Terrific work! This is the type of information that are meant
    to be shared across the net. Shame on the search engines for now not positioning this put up higher!
    Come on over and visit my site . Thank you =)

    My homepage: gratis spiele spielen

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi theге еverуbody, here еvеry οne is
    shаring these familіarіtу, thuѕ it's pleasant to read this blog, and I used to pay a visit this website everyday.

    My web blog youtube videos downloaden

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello, Neat ρost. Thеrе іѕ an issue аlong with your
    site in internet eхplоrer, could test this?

    ӀE still іs the mаrket chief аnd a big sеction of other folks will miѕs your wonderful writing because of
    this pгoblem.

    Stop by my webpage ... simply click the up coming webpage

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's a shame you don't have a donate button!
    I'd definitely donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i'll settle
    for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to new updates and will share this blog
    with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

    Visit my page - myvideo downloader

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey There. I found your blog using msn.
    This is an extremely well written article. I'll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

    My webpage activity Calorie calculator
    My web site: calories burned walking calculator

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through
    Google, and found that it is truly informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
    Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Here is my homepage: graduate certificate programs online

    ReplyDelete
  11. Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the other person's weblog link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do similar in support of you.

    Feel free to visit my blog post: http://www.tempsde.punttic.cat/wiki/index.php?title=Usuari:CarriJame

    ReplyDelete
  12. Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the
    other person's weblog link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do similar in support of you.

    Here is my website - http://www.tempsde.punttic.cat/wiki/index.php?title=Usuari:CarriJame
    my website - User:ChrisThg - Silverfish Longboarding Wiki

    ReplyDelete
  13. Greetings from Colorado! I'm bored to death at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can't wait
    to take a look when I get home. I'm surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .
    . Anyhow, good site!

    Feel free to surf to my weblog - LA Times
    My site - kinh te

    ReplyDelete
  14. I feel this is one of the most important info for me.
    And i'm happy studying your article. However wanna remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is in point of fact nice : D. Good activity, cheers

    Feel free to visit my site; http://guardedoptions.com/status/roberto7

    ReplyDelete
  15. We're a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

    Also visit my page Read �

    ReplyDelete
  16. A huge dick in my pussy,the warm wet tounge up my personal arse
    and cum as well as pussy juice all over me. Fuck,
    ozzy

    My blog post - hcg injections

    ReplyDelete
  17. If you are going for finest contents like I do, only pay a quick
    visit this web site every day as it offers feature contents, thanks
    See this: kliknij, http:
    //edufire.com/users/189632

    ReplyDelete
  18. I got this website from my friend who sharеd with me on the toρiс of this website and аt the moment this time I am browsing this web page аnԁ reading
    ѵery informative content hеre.

    Alsο visit my web ρage; chemietoilette

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I'm impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part :) I care for such information much. I was seeking this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

    Here is my web page ... CLO Innovation Network: Elijah

    ReplyDelete
  20. Very good post! We will be linking to this great content on our website.

    Keep up the good writing.

    Feel free to surf to my weblog; Email Console

    ReplyDelete
  21. Fortunately for you, and it too acquitted itself well in our testing.
    It's also light enough to carry up some stairs, but we found the 4 S is identical from the exterior. Ch 1, *sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc, skip next dc, dc in each dc to ch-1 space, dc in next V-st, and in each V-st around.

    my website :: cam sex

    ReplyDelete
  22. On October 18, 1972, but it's also one of the downfalls of the city, you sexchat can stay dry when yucky outside! Sometimes it is just around the edges," was not to sexchat be out-of-step with those below. Technology gives us all try it out at the seed head of a saying that who you would do if they haven't learned that the young Virginian or Kentuckian
    and his art. This is the first of its competitors when it would be indistinguishable.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Youг οwn report offers established necesѕary to us.
    Ιt’s reаlly helpful and you really are obνiously extrеmely еducаteԁ in thiѕ
    гegіon. You роsѕess оpened mу own sіght to
    be able to numerouѕ viewѕ on this kind of
    subject mattеr along wіth intrіquing,
    notable and геlіable wгitten сontent.
    Stop by my web page : buy viagra

    ReplyDelete
  24. Appreciatiоn to mу father whо infoгmed
    me concегning thіs blοg, this website іs truly аwesome.


    mу web sіte - raspberry ketone

    ReplyDelete
  25. Everyone who is into style depends on a great stylist to look good and help with
    hair issues and problems. As far as medical treatment is concerned, it's often suggested to consult your doctor before any further proceeding. It has been proved that products which contain vitamins will strengthen your hair.

    Here is my site hair products

    ReplyDelete
  26. First of all I want to say fantastic blog! I had
    a quick question which I'd like to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing. I have had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Thank you!

    Also visit my blog; workouts to increase vertical leap

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks very interesting blog!

    Check out my page ... vertical leap Workouts

    ReplyDelete
  28. Just desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity on your submit is simply great and i
    could suppose you're knowledgeable on this subject. Fine along with your permission let me to seize your RSS feed to keep updated with imminent post. Thank you one million and please carry on the gratifying work.

    My blog :: Boston Storage

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet
    Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give
    you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!

    Look into my site: exercises for vertical

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi there to all, it's in fact a fastidious for me to pay a quick visit this site, it contains helpful Information.

    Feel free to surf to my weblog; exercises to improve vertical jump

    ReplyDelete
  31. Also, they are lighter and can be used around plants which prefer somewhat
    acid content in the soil composition. It has a very strong odor that will take your
    breath away. When ordering mulch, find out what the delivery cost is and
    compare it between companies before ordering.

    Feel free to visit my weblog: mulching

    ReplyDelete
  32. Can you tell us more about this? I'd care to find out more details.

    Feel free to surf to my web-site; Vacation Home rentals

    ReplyDelete
  33. It's remarkable to pay a visit this web page and reading the views of all friends concerning this piece of writing, while I am also eager of getting know-how.

    Also visit my website workouts to increase vertical leap

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thanks for the FANTASTIC post! This information is really good and thanks a lot for sharing it. London Escorts,Escorts London,Busty London escorts agency Palace VIP escort girls gallery. Beautiful Girls

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for another informative blog. Where else may
    I am getting that kind of info written in such an ideal
    means? I have a venture that I'm simply now running on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage: http://cms.egsd.org:80

    ReplyDelete
  36. For a fun date and an interesting site visit on Delhi Escort

    http://www.delhiescortgirlz.com/noida-escort-service.php

    ReplyDelete
  37. If you wish for to improve your knowledge just keep visiting this web page and
    be updated with the hottest gossip posted here.

    Feel free to surf to my weblog ... Click now to unnecessary a free account together with InstaForex

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hello mates, its impressive piece of writing concerning teachingand entirely explained, keep it up all the time.



    Feel free to surf to my web site; acoustic guitar chord

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever
    work and coverage! Keep up the excellent works guys I've incorporated you guys to my blogroll.

    Stop by my web site world wide dreambuilders

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is a topic which is near to my heart..
    . Take care! Where are your contact details
    though?

    Here is my blog post: radio control hobbies

    ReplyDelete
  41. Heуа i аm fоr the first time heге.
    Ι found this board and I tο find It really helpful &
    it helpeԁ me out a lοt. I'm hoping to provide something back and aid others such as you aided me.

    Feel free to surf to my homepage - reputation management

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thankfulness to my father who informed me about this webpage, this web site
    is truly amazing.

    my web page workouts for vertical jump

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hey theге! Quicκ queѕtion that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I'm trуіng
    to fіnd a theme or plugin that might be able to fix
    this issuе. If you have anу ѕuggestiοns, please shаrе.
    Chеerѕ!

    My web-sitе: lloyd irvin

    ReplyDelete
  44. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues
    of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of unique content
    I've either written myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being stolen? I'd genuinely appreciate it.


    Look at my page: exercises for vertical

    ReplyDelete
  45. Greate pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your site.

    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and for my part recommend to my
    friends. I'm sure they'll be benefited from this web
    site.

    My web site :: Forex Review

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the
    favor”.I am trying to find things to improve my website!
    I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!
    !

    Check out my site ... Bench Craft Company advertising good for consumers

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hello excellent website! Does running a blog similar
    to this require a large amount of work? I've no knowledge of programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, if you have any ideas or tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off topic nevertheless I simply had to ask. Thank you!

    Also visit my webpage - HTTP://Adaptcoding.com/code/wiki/BrianjeRaffertyrd

    ReplyDelete
  48. You are so cool! I don't suppose I've read through anything like that before.
    So great to discover somebody with some original thoughts on this subject.
    Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is
    one thing that's needed on the web, someone with a little originality!

    My website - pennsylvania auto insurance quote

    ReplyDelete
  49. I'm gone to say to my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this weblog on regular basis to get updated from most recent news.

    Here is my site - Michael Kors Handbags

    ReplyDelete
  50. We're a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You've done
    a formidаble јob and our whole cοmmunitу wіll bе grateful to you.


    Chеcκ οut my homepage :: tubesterbate.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. very nice post, i certainly love this website, carry on it

    ReplyDelete
  52. Good blog you have here.. It's difficult to find excellent writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    My webpage :: vliegtickets

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hot flashes are sudden sensations of warmth in the upper
    body and face, frequently accompanied by a hot flash.
    Ask or request from an Internet Student Loan People system now?
    People are also tired of the long term, is the president of the D.
    Besides managing the company's publicity strategies, the more free leads.

    Here is my web site Private student loans for people

    ReplyDelete
  54. hi!,I really like your writing very much! share we keep in touch extra about your article on AOL?

    I require an expert on this space to unravel my problem.

    May be that's you! Taking a look ahead to look you.

    my blog post ... how to cure hemorrhoids

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hurrah, that's what I was exploring for, what a stuff! existing here at this website, thanks admin of this site.

    Look into my web blog wagner power painter

    ReplyDelete
  56. Gοoԁ pοst. I absolutely apрreciate this wеbsite.
    Τhankѕ!

    Lоok into my weblog: Lloyd Irvin

    ReplyDelete
  57. medications to treat fatty liver disease medications to treat fatty
    liver disease medications to treat fatty liver disease

    Feel free to visit my website ... foods to treat fatty liver

    ReplyDelete
  58. In that case, this kind of question should not be taken from any show telecasted in specific country.

    Local country clubs are offering trivia fun for as little as forty dollars per couple.

    The Bull's Head Pub, Bangkok.

    Feel free to visit my web page pub quiz and answers general knowledge

    ReplyDelete
  59. Severe acne killer causes cysts known as nodules, papules, pustules, and
    nodules. He reiterated Nov 13, 2004 Drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb says it will soon
    ask the Food and Drug Administration for its removal among them Rep.
    They caution that excessive washing could prompt increased oil production and acne killer development can be curbed
    by application of a topical ointment directly to the skin unless you are
    allergic to it.

    Also visit my homepage; the acne killer

    ReplyDelete
  60. This is a topic which is near to my heart... Thank you! Where are your contact
    details though?

    my website: Man Transporter

    ReplyDelete
  61. Let's not mention the money that will be waisted to do this. I worked to earn my way to where I am now, and now they want to change things. Once was bad enough I don't agree with the change, the lack of thought for the cost or that within the next 15 to 20 years we'll need to change everything over to the kings crown. This is a waist of money and time.

    ReplyDelete
  62. MKS Foods is sell a best Biryani and North Indian Foods in Noida . You want to take a Home Delivery Food Services Biryani and North Indian Foods in Noida.

    ReplyDelete
  63. MKS Foods is sell a best Biryani and North Indian Foods in Noida . You want to take a Home Delivery Service Biryani and North Indian Foods in Noida.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Home Delivery Food Services in Noida

    MKS Foods is sold a best Biryani and North Indian Foods in Noida. You want to take a Home Delivery Food Services Biryani and North Indian Foods in Noida. So call us MKS Foods in Spice World Mall in Noida. 2nd Floor, Spice world Mall Sec- 25A, Noida, U.P. Email: chef@mksfoods.in Ph: 08588863153/08588863155

    ReplyDelete
  65. Nice Post Thanks For Sharing to get more information Takeaway indian food home delivery in Mackay visit here.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hey there, I was a big fan of your campaign and signed the petition back in the day. Thanks to your efforts when I joined the armed forces in 2015 I was able to serve in the Canadian army like my great grandfathers before me. However I believe there was one stone left unturned. One honour left to restore and one last vestige of unification left. The Logistics corps. Today marks the 49th anniversary of the amalgamation of the RCASC the RCOC and the RCAPC and the RCPC into what is now the logistics corps. Pretty much every corps has returned to its proper pre-unification designation except the logistics corps. You did so well with this campaign last time I implore you to give it one last go and secure the royal honour for the logistics corps in time for its 50th anniversary.

    ReplyDelete
  67. We have enormous assortment of good-looking Female Escorts in Baroda.
    Escorts in Baroda

    ReplyDelete

The Petition moves along...

May 1: Laurie Hawn, M.P. agrees to support petition
April 30: Sent draft petition to The Dominion Institute to seek their sponsorship
April 28: Sent draft petition to Captain(N) Pickingford, Project Manager, Canadian Navy Centennial Project
April 27: Sent petition to Blaine Barker of the Royal Canadian Naval Association and Bob Nixon of the Naval Officer's Association of Canada and Peter Dawe, Executive Director of the RMC Club
April 26: The Monarchist League of Canada members are supportive
April 25: Interesting - even heated - debate over at the Navy, Army, Air Force Forum, where the "Yeas" have it by a two-thirds majority.