Large crowd gathers in CFB Borden for the Blue Beret Parade

by Mojave Wed 15 May 2019, 9:18 pm

CTV Barrie
Published Wednesday, May 15, 2019

A large crowd watched in admiration on Wednesday as the men and women of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) marched in unison, marking a milestone at Canadian Forces Base Borden.

“It’s important to celebrate our culture, and celebrate what we’ve done, and commemorate all the hard work and sweat that occurred over the last 75 years,” said Colonel Martin Corriveau, Director RCEME.

The unit, made up of soldiers who were vehicle, material and weapons technicians, was created in 1944.

Veterans Tom Allen and Tom Thompson both served in World War II and were at the base today for the 75th anniversary.

“I enjoyed the military, really did,” said 92-year-old Thompson. “There were a few times I was thinking of getting out but changed my mind,” he chuckled.

One of the original welders, 97-year-old Allen, attended the ceremony with his family and with tears welling in his eyes said it brings back a lot of memories. “(It’s) special to be here.”

In a salute to the unit’s past, there will be a return to its original headdress.

The country’s 4,500 electrical engineers will now wear the blue beret that was last worn in 1968.

https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/large-crowd-gathers-in-cfb-borden-for-the-blue-beret-parade-1.4424064

by **SniperGod** Thu 16 May 2019, 9:22 pm

Blue Berets celebrate 75 years of innovation, integrity, tenacity

Parade was broadcasted live to all Royal Canadian Engineers units across Canada

May 16, 2019 - by: BarrieToday Staff

Large crowd gathers in CFB Borden for the Blue Beret Parade 2019-05-15-blue-beret-parade-2

1 / 3 Veteran Tom Allen was among those in attendance this week to see the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) on parade at the RCEME 75th Anniversary Parade at CFB Borden on May 15, 2019.

NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN ARMED FORCES
*************************

CFB BORDEN - The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) celebrated their 75th anniversary during their national Blue Beret Parade held at CFB Borden on May 15, 2019.

After more than 75 years of innovation, integrity, and tenacity, the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers celebrated their heritage with a return to their roots. The RCEME Corps formally transitioned back to their historic blue beret, and was presented with their new camp flag to be flown at their Home Station at CFB Borden.

Along with serving reserve, regular and reserve force members and retirees, VIPs included senior representatives from RCEME’s sister corps from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.

The parade was held in front of the Col. Karen Ritchie building, which houses the RCEME School, which is commonly referred to as the ‘Home Station’ by members of the Corps.

The parade was broadcasted live to all RCEME units across Canada to enable all personnel to simultaneously take part in similar parades and events to both formally re-adopt their historically iconic blue beret, and promote esprit de corps amongst their membership and supporting communities.

Quotes

“The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers have a rich history of traditions and promoting service before self. In celebrating their illustrious heritage, the Corps has returned to the traditional blue berets worn by both their forbearers, and sister organizations such as the United Kingdom’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Their dedication to service remains invaluable to the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to meet domestic and international obligations on behalf of Canadians.”

- Colonel John Errington, Commander, Combat Training Centre

“May 15, 2019, holds a special place in hearts of all members of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as we will be celebrating our 75th Anniversary. We proudly identify themselves as ‘the regiment of small units everywhere’ because our members serve with distinction across our country at various military bases, stations, and facilities. We will be celebrating our invaluable contributions to Canadian society, and the cherished relationships with their communities through numerous activities across Canada commencing in May of 2019.”

- Lieutenant-Colonel Yves Raymond, Commandant, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer School

Quick Facts

The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer’s 75th Anniversary includes numerous national and regional activities to commemorate the Corp’s rich heritage of professionalism and unwavering dedication to the CAF both at home and abroad. The Blue Beret Parade serves as one of the central events in the Corps’ celebration of its roots. As an organization that proudly identifies itself as the regiment of small units everywhere, our hope is that the nation will join us in celebrating our invaluable contributions to Canadian society, and our cherished relationships with many communities and industries across Canada.

The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer’s Blue Beret Parade represents the Corps commitment to both recognizing and celebrating its brilliant historical heritage. This celebration includes the Corps’ re-adoption of their historical blue beret, as well as the presentation of a new camp flag at their Home Station, located at the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer School at CFB Borden.

The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) School provides Canadian Armed Forces members with specialized training to maintain and support land-based military equipment. With 200 military and civilian staff, the RCEME School offers 54 different technical courses for Regular and Reserve Force members, as well as apprentice, journeyman, and specialist training. With 450 students and over 1,800 annual graduates from all courses, the School is divided into four companies: Regimental Company, Vehicle Company, Artisan Company, and a Headquarters Company. The RCEME School is located at CFB Borden.

*************************

https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/blue-berets-celebrate-75-years-of-innovation-integrity-tenacity-1457858

Large crowd gathers in CFB Borden for the Blue Beret Parade

Large crowd gathers in CFB Borden for the Blue Beret Parade

Re: Large crowd gathers in CFB Borden for the Blue Beret Parade