Hey guys,

Imagine this, I was 17 years old, with my mothers signature, I joined the Canadian Armed Forces, in particular the 48th Highlanders of Canada. It is a famous Infantry Regiment founded in Toronto in 1891. Colonel in Chief, Queen Elizabeth II, more battle honors than any other un-amalgamated Canadian Regiment (50). Nicknamed the four dirty dozen, the glory boys, and the red watch. The allied regiment, the Gordon Highlanders (longest unbroken allied unit relationship in the commonwealth)

It is said that you are more likely to see someone in a Kilt in Toronto, than just about anywhere in Scotland. Well, having lived in Toronto, and visited Scotland, I would say that is true if you consider the non-tourist attraction use of the Kilt. Toronto, and much of Canada was settled by Scots, and by rights, built by Scots. Highland Regiments were posted to Canada, and some stayed. Their traditions, dress, everything frozen in time from the time of their arrival. The 48th was not one of these regiments. By rights, it was founded by the citizens of Toronto with their own money (mostly successful Scots). The 48th wear the Modern Davidson Tartan which was the tartan of the first Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. John Davidson.

I could post a bunch of historical pics for you, but lets start with the Regiment today. Pomp and ceremony is a sideline specialty of the Highland Regiment as they really are a sight to see. History preserved.

Feel free to ask questions of the pictures posted, or anything you might want to know.

BTW, I am 41 now. I was in the 48th from 1987-1995. Can you imagine what a great experience it was to be a part of your country's living history? It was magic. I now face my mid life crisis looking back fondly on these times.

The 48th Pipes and Drums and military band has played the game opener for the Toronto Maple Leafs since 1917-1918. The Leafs moved into the Maple Leaf Gardens, they played. Maple Leaf Gardens was retired and they moved into the Air Canada Center. The bands played for the last time in Maple Leaf Gardens, and then led the leafs out of the gardens for a 2 mile hike through the streets of Toronto into the ACC. This picture is from this years season opener game.





Here is a picture of Captain Alkema on Remembrance Day Parade 2011 (120th anniversary of the Regiment). The wee lad as it turns out is his son. This is a very unusual picture, but one that played out on parade. He knew people were snapping pics and went on a internet wide search to the get the picture. Priceless.



Here is the regiment doing the Honor Guard at the Annual Royal Winter Fair. Another tradition as old as the fair itself. Seen are the Colors of the Regiment, the Queen's and Regimental Colours.



The Regiment on Parade in Toronto.



Hey guys, I will post a little bit at a time. Ask questions if you like, I will keep this going as long as someone is interested.