RMR Depot Platoon Visits War Museum
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY PRIVATE BRYAN CATUDAL, DEPOT PLATOON, RMR
Westmount, Quebec – 23 November 2018: During the morning of Saturday 17 November 2018, Depot Platoon set out to learn about their country’s military history at the Canadian War Museum.
The recruit platoon formed up at 0700 for inspection and prepared to board a bus to the nation’s capital. They were about to learn about the sacrifice of our predecessors and the suffering which they endured to build Canada into the great country that it is today.
Once the bus had taken off, the recruits were given the chance to strike conversations to be able to get to know each other. Many of the members had not yet completed BMQ, and had not had a chance to speak to everyone, but this bus ride changed that. Many got that chance to get to know the guy that they had few words with prior to this excursion. Many laughed together all the way there and all the way back, cementing the foundation of friendships and brotherhoods.
Once arrived at the museum, the platoon broke into smaller groups to tour the exhibits. Several of the notable exhibits included a First World War infantryman equipped with a Royal Montreal Regiment cap badge that the recruits recognized by the regiment’s motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense”. It showed the recruits that they had become a part of something bigger than themselves. The Royal Montreal Regiment’s history dates back to some of Canada’s greatest and most difficult conflicts.
Once 1100 hrs came, everyone, including the cadet corps that joined Depot on the bus, grouped together in the Memorial Hall for a moment of silence to recognize those who delivered the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in combat so that Canadians can be free today.
After having left the museum, the platoon was led by staff until they reached the tomb of the unknown soldier at the National War Memorial, where the recruits were reminded of the sacrifice of their nation’s troops. This included Corporal Nathan Cirillo. This 24 year old reservist was barely older than most of Depot Platoon and was killed by a extremist while guarding the Memorial. He lost his life guarding the memory of all soldiers killed in the name of Canada’s rights and freedom. He shall be remembered.
