26th Field Regiment Ball marks 78 years

The 26th Field Artillery Association marked 78 years of military tradition and community fellowship Saturday evening at the Brandon Armoury.

The association hosted about 120 military personnel, former members, dignitaries and civilians for its annual 26th Field Regiment Ball at the armoury on Victoria Avenue.

The celebration featured speeches, tributes, entertainment and recognition of individuals who have contributed to the regiment and the wider community.

Former Brandon-Souris MP Larry Maguire was the guest of honour at the event, which also provided an opportunity for members of the public to connect with the military and learn more about the work of the reserve unit.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of a 3D-printed replica of a 105-millimetre artillery piece to Maguire. The replica featured a carving of St. Barbara, the patron saint of artillery, inside the artillery piece.

The recognition was an unexpected honour, and deeply appreciated, Maguire said at the event.

“Those are supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and flabbergasted,” he said. “I am so honoured and deeply indebted to all of you for thinking enough of me tonight to provide me with this very distinguished honour.”

The former MP, who represented Brandon-Souris for more than 11 years, said he would carry the recognition with him for the rest of his life.

The evening also recognized retired honorary Lt.-Col. Lori Dangerfield, who received the Royal Canadian Artillery Regimental Colonel’s Coin for her contributions to community relations.

The annual gathering is an opportunity to bring together the regiment and Brandon residents to celebrate their shared connections, association honorary Lt.-Col. Tammy Rourke said.

“The event brings together the 26th Field Regiment and civilians in Brandon under one roof to celebrate each other, the community, the artillery, just everybody,” Rourke told the Sun. “It’s just a celebration.”

Rourke said the association has historically held the ball at the Victoria Inn but moved it to the Brandon Armoury two years ago as civilian attendance increased.

The change has also provided an opportunity to showcase the military facility and introduce more residents to the regiment’s home, she said.

In his remarks, Lt.-Col. Christopher Terrio highlighted tradition, community and reserve service as three important aspects of the regiment’s work.

He said that while the annual ball has a 78-year history, the unit itself dates back to 1908.

“While we carry on what we had from the past, we also have to adapt. We have to evolve to present circumstances, realities of the day to day,” Terrio said.

He described opening the armoury to the public as an important step in strengthening the relationship between the military and the community.

“Welcoming you all into our home as a unit, where we train, where the camaraderie develops, opening the doors to the community to our former members, it’s a privilege to have you with us,” he said.

Terrio also highlighted the range of responsibilities undertaken by reserve members, including soldiers preparing for domestic operations in British Columbia to help keep major transportation routes open, as well as members volunteering for deployment to Latvia.

“Everybody that’s in this unit is part of this community, and that’s what’s different about the reserves,” he said. ”Everybody in this unit is part of this community, and we will stay part of this community.”

Terrio encouraged guests to use the evening to speak with serving members and former soldiers, exchange experiences and learn more about the reserve force.

Maguire also used his address to recognize the contributions of Canadian Armed Forces members and thank the regiment for maintaining the longstanding tradition.

He acknowledged the importance of CFB Shilo to Brandon, Westman and the country, describing it as one of the strongest training bases in Canada.

“The military ball is just one of these special times where your honouree gets to say a special thank you to you, our military personnel, for your service to Canada,” he said.

He also thanked the organizers, volunteers and sponsors, particularly those who helped make it possible for 12 serving military members to attend through sponsored soldiers’ seats.

Master of ceremonies Barry Cooper welcomed guests by noting that the ball is believed to be the oldest continuously running single-unit military ball in Western Canada.

The formal evening also included a traditional blessing before dinner, with Padre Challenge reflecting on service, sacrifice and the importance of the gathering.

Rourke said the association hopes the event will continue to attract more residents in coming years.

“We’d love to have something to honour everybody that’s here, and hopefully we’ll get more people attending next year,” she said.

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