THUNDER BAY – The tradition of the military’s New Year’s Day levee dates back to the early 17th century, but the commander of HMCS Griffon says more than 400 years later, it’s evolved into something new.
First hosted by the governor of New France, in the early 1600s the levee was a chance to look back at the feats of the army in the year just gone by, while providing a hint at what might happen in the year ahead.
In those days, the military was central to New World communities, offering protection from enemy attackers in a new frontier.
Today, the Griffon and Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, who joined forces on Sunday to host an in-person New Year’s Levee, still play an important role in Canada’s defensive effort, but are both are also a lot less central in the day-to-day lives of those who live in and around Thunder Bay.
Cmdr. Nathaniel Moulson, hosting his first levee at the Griffon, called the event a fresh start as his reserve unit gets set to celebrate a milestone in 2023, along with every other reserve unit in Canada.
“This is the first levee we’ve hosted in three or four years, now,” Moulson said. “It’s great to have people together. It’s a full room, lots of smiling faces. I think it’s a chance to reflect on the previous year and then look forward to see what’s coming in 2023.
“Of course, it’s a great way to rekindle old relationships and build new ones. The military community in Thunder Bay is small, but mighty, strong and we’re connected, so it’s great for us to interact right at the beginning of the year.”
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian reserves, an event that will be celebrated throughout the year, Moulson said.
“Most notably I would say is we are doing a Freedom of the City parade in September, followed by a Navy Ball in October. It’s going to be a very formal event and we’re going to have a lot of people from the community there,” he said.
Internally, the continuation of the success of the Griffon’s co-op program is something he’s looking forward to in 2023.
Local political leaders, including MP Patty Hajdu and MPPs Kevin Holland and Lise Vaugeois, were on hand to pay tribute to the military and its contributions to the community.
Holland, who has attended levees in the past, said it’s a great tradition and a chance to say thanks to those who serve.
“Our military is typically a peaceful operation, but every developing country needs to have an active military to protect the interests of the country and democracy and the military is important to Canada,” Holland said,
Hajdu, who serves in the Liberal government’s cabinet, says since she’s become a politician, she’s learned a lot more about the special relationship between the military, the Crown and Parliament.
“It’s a time to honour people that serve Canada here and across the world and a time to honour our connection to the king and it’s also a time to recognize the importance of serving,” Hajdu said. “It’s a really beautiful tradition.”
