Jason Teakle
BRANT NEWS

Brantford’s 56th Field Artillery Regiment was honoured during a federal government announcement at the Brantford Armoury on Friday afternoon.

“There were many people in this region who took up arms to defend their lands,” Brant MP Phil McColeman said. “The legacy of the War of 1812 is very alive in Brant.

“Our government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage. I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.”

McColeman said the local regiment is among numerous Canadian Forces units being awarded “perpetuation of historical units” and inheriting War of 1812 battle honours from the Government of Canada. The honours are being awarded to mark military campaigns significant to the defence of Canada during the conflict.

“This encourages Canadians to take part in their history,” McColeman said.

The federal government is awarding battle honours to Canadian Forces regiments as part of its efforts to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

Former 56th Field Regiment member Lieut.-Col. Bryan Robertson said it is important to commemorate the role that historical Canadian military regiments played during the War of 1812.

“This is an opportunity to go back and recognize previous conflicts,” Robertson said. “The War of 1812 helped establish Canada as a country. It’s overdue that the government is giving battle honours.”