Celebrating 100 years on guard in Sault Ste. Marie (17 photos)

It was a great day for a group of men and women dedicated to the safety and freedom of our community and nation, and, if called to do so, dedicated to fight for safety and freedom abroad.

Sault Ste. Marie’s 49th Field Artillery Regiment celebrated its 100th anniversary at a public ceremony at the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury at 375 Pine Street Sunday afternoon.

The celebration’s highlights included the unveiling of a commemorative stone in honour of those who have served our community as part of the 49th, and an official unveiling of a special Canada Post 49th Field Artillery Regiment stamp, painted by local artist Doug Bradford, in honour of the local military unit.

The stamp will be available at local Canada Post outlets Monday.

In attendance for Sunday’s ceremony was Toronto-based Brigadier General Julian Chapman, Deputy Commander of Canadian Army Land Forces in Ontario.

A clearly enthusiastic General Chapman, speaking to SooToday.com, said  “this is my first time at the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury.  This (the 49th and the Armoury) is a jewel in the crown as far as we are concerned.”

“It (the 49th) is a part of the community, some of them have recently served in Afghanistan.  They are your neighbours, we often forget that.  They are often students who lay down their books to deploy and serve the country,” Chapman said.

Lieutenant-Colonel Bryan Sherman, commander of the 49th, told us “the 49th is integral to the fabric of the community,” describing the relationship between the military unit and the community as “fabulous.”

When asked by SooToday.com to express his thoughts on the recent horrifying murder of a British soldier by an extremist on the streets of London, England, General Chapman said “it is shocking.”

“We will ensure our soldiers are taken care of,” Chapman said.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sherman said “we are not immune to those attacks in Canada, but we have tremendous security systems that are in place.”

“Since 9-11, all of us, reservists and citizens, have to be extra careful as to what may happen, that we stand on guard.”

Meanwhile, the public enjoyed Sunday’s festivities, which included the awe-inspiring sound of ‘Amazing Grace’ played by the 49th’s Pipes and Drums, displays of military equipment, and 49th soldiers indulging in playful fun with youngsters.  

Check out our photo gallery!