HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Cordite filled the air as the guns fired the last of their 13-round volley on January 27 at Canadian Forces Base Halifax's Maritime Command Museum.
The shots marked the official opening of Canada's Gunners, an exhibition celebrating the accomplishments and service of the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) over the past 150 years.
"In Canada, the Artillery has a very rich military history, particularly in Halifax. I think it is important to celebrate that history within the military and community at large," said Lieutenant-Colonel John Woodgate from Land Force Atlantic Area.
The exhibition, which will be at the museum until the end of May, consists of a number of artefacts as well as audio and visual presentations explaining the significance of the RCA in the history of Canada. Included in the display is the sword of General Harry Crerar, commander of the 1st Canadian Army at the end of the Second World War.
Rear-Admiral Dan McNeil, Commander of Joint Task Force Atlantic, and retired Major-General John MacInnis, Colonel Commandant of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, cut the ribbon to officially open the exhibit.
"History is so important. If you don't know about history, you will never learn about the future," said Alec Simpson, a retired gunner and special guest.
Canada's Gunners was on display last year at the Canadian War Museum, in Ottawa, where it received excellent reviews was seen by more than 100,000 visitors.
For more information on the Maritime Command Museum, please visit their Web site at http://www.pspmembers.com/marcommuseum/
Article by Sergeant Rick Fancy Photos by Master Corporal Mike Selig, Private Darcy Lefebvre and courtesy of the Canadian War Museum
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