Loyal Company Ball puts regiment in spotlight
SAINT JOHN - It was all pomp and pageantry at the Loyal Company Ball Saturday evening, with military officials in bright red uniforms and their dates in flowing gowns.
But it was the historic significance of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment that stole the show at the Delta Brunswick ballroom, with more than 400 attendees.
The regiment is only eight years younger than Saint John, the country's first incorporated city.
And the regiment itself is the oldest artillery regiment in Canada, as well as the third oldest in the British Commonwealth, said Maj. David Boudreau, Second-In-Command of the regiment, wearing traditional Mess Dress.
The regiment was founded in 1793 in response to attacks from privateers in Saint John. Throughout its history, the regiment's members have served in the War of 1812, both world wars, the Korean War and most recently in Afghanistan.
"It is the people from Saint John and Woodstock who train part-time and volunteer to go to those missions and we're very proud of that," he said.
"So whenever the city has a momentous occasion like the 225th anniversary, it's a cause for celebration and the contributions we've made to the city."
John Irving, the honourary colonel of the regiment, said it was time to bring back the tradition of holding an annual ball - something that was abandoned in the 1980s.
He said it's important to celebrate the link between the city's history and its ties to the regiment, as it protected trade and commerce from the city's beginnings.
"The regiment and the city have really grown up together," he said. "This seemed like a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that tradition."
Mayor Ivan Court, wearing his gold chain of office, pointed out the city's rich military heritage - with historic forts including Fort Howe, Fort La Tour and the Carleton Martello Tower.
"This regiment really connects the City of Saint John to its history," he said. "It has protected us, and it is the fabric of our community."
Of the attendees, more than half were not from the military, Boudreau said.
The evening included a formal dinner, with music from the regiment band. As guests mingled, a trumpeter sounded a five-minute warning before dinner began.
Later, guests would dance to the swinging tunes of the Black Cats.
For Gunner Dillon McSheffery, of Beechwood, N.B., said it meant a lot to attend the gala.
"You get to meet people from the unit and people who used to be in it and came back," said the 17-year-old reservist. "You've got to know the past of the regiment to be a part of it."
McSheffery, who is a part of the 89th battery in Woodstock, said he plans to continue in the reserves - and maybe deploy to Afghanistan - while he pursues a science degree at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.
"You get a sense of pride because you're serving your country," he said. "It's a lot better than waiting tables. And it's meaningful."
Boudreau said that pride felt across the regiment is something that hasn't gone away since the group formed 217 years ago.
"The regiment becomes your family," said the Second-in-Command, who is also an engineer with Bell Aliant.
On Saturday, Sgt. Elaine Osbourne of Saint John departed for Afghanistan, and one of the regiment members saw her off in Fredericton.
"We look after each other," Boudreau said.