HMCS Regina crew connects with veterans
SLt Susannah Chen
HMCS Regina
March 10, 2008
Cdr Haydn Edmunson presents Jack England a plaque for the Veterans Wing at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina.
A 10-member delegation from HMCS Regina conducted a visit with the veterans of Wascana Rehabilitation Centre as part of their namesake city visit to the Queen city, Regina.
The veterans were thrilled to have a visit from crewmembers, and were eagerly anticipating the visit all week. A warm fuzzy feeling came over the ship’s delegation when they sighted the ship’s crest embroidered in the bottom corner of a hand-made sign that read: “Welcome Crew of HMCS Regina.”
As the delegation entered the room, the War Bride Choir performed a special tribute to the visiting sailors of Regina by singing the traditional naval song “Heart of Oak.” The War Bride Choir conducts weekly visits to the veterans and often entertains them by performing a song or two.
Most of the veterans retired from the service long before any of Regina’s crew was born. Although the veterans served long before the visiting delegation, they proved to be young at heart, and were eager to exchange stories with young sailors and learn about the lives of sailors today.
It was humbling and powerful to hear them describe the exploits of their youth. One veteran told of his journey as a young man returning from the United States where he lived, to Canada to enlist in the Canadian Army. He was exhilarated to tell us that he came home without a single scratch during his tour between 1939 and 1945 while he served in the armored corps. He was definitely one of the few, and extremely fortunate men to return unharmed.
No doubt, today’s sailors serve in a different era than all these great men. However, we seemed to be able to find parallels in the challenges and adventures we experience. Leaving families and loved ones behind for deployments and operations is always difficult. Bonding with shipmates and pursuing daring adventures together seem to be a common experience that sailors have shared throughout history.
As a memento of the visit, the Commanding Officer, Commander Haydn Edmundson, presented a plaque of Regina’s crest to Jack England, who accepted it on behalf of the veteran’s ward. England served in the Canadian Navy from 1944 to 1945 aboard HMCS Cap de la Madeline, a River Class frigate. He also shares an interesting tie with HMCS Regina as he was present during her commissioning in 1994.
The visit to the veterans was definitely one of the most memorable experiences for the delegation. Many of the veterans thanked us for visiting, and explained that it is always a pleasure to spend time with military members. I consider it a privilege to spend time with them. It was clear to Regina’s delegation and myself that this was the highlight of the recent namesake city visit.
