THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s local Primary Reserve Infantry Unit welcomed in a new commanding officer on Saturday.
The Lake Superior Scottish Regiment conducted a change of command parade on Saturday to honour the leadership of its now-former Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel M.A. Singleton, CD, and welcome in Lieutenant-Colonel J.G. Davis, CD.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Singleton was unable to receive a proper change of command parade when he took control of the regiment in 2020, so it was important for officers to honour him with a full parade as he handed the reigns over to Davis.
“Today is an important day within the history of the regiment. Change of command signifies a number of things. In particular, it signifies the change of authority, the change of power of the commanding officer,” said Honorary Colonel Michel Beaulieu.
“But it's much more than that. As you saw as part of the events was the changing of colours, which represents the dedication as well as what the incoming commanding officer is committing to members of the regiment.”
Beaulieu said the tradition of the parade was not only important for those officers it honoured, but for all of the members of the regiment - to bring them together.
“We have individuals who come from many, many different walks of life, have many different backgrounds and experiences and what links us all together, in some cases over decades, is that sense of family, that sense of tradition,” he said.
“But it's also the ability to participate in events like what we had today. When COVID-19 occurred, the pandemic, the change of command was very much an important element of what occurred. It’s not a requirement but there was something missing and it was the parade you saw today.”
