and the Toronto Scottish (1921). Why are they still around? Likely many reasons. Here are my thoughts: Tradition - forms the backbone of the armed services and helps bring in new members. The militia system is part of the tradition in Canada We are a country with a small population but with an large landmass. The regiments form(ed) a part of the life of a small town and even a city. (any Canadian who has lived in a small town knows that the Legion and the Curling Club are the centers of its universe - may be add Tim Hortons to that). Canada, like many European countries lost large numbers of troops in World War I and many claim that Canada became a Country at the Battlle of Vimmy Ridge. All of the Canadian Scottish Regiments played a large role in WWI, WWII, Korea, peace keeping and have members on active service at this time. Ok - this one may cause some debate. Canada in some ways is more Scottish than Scotland. The First Nations, French, English and Scottish formed the country (yes others did and do contribute). Look at Canadian Maps. The names of Scottish towns are everywhere. Major rivers have Scottish names. The best pipe band in the World is from Canada. You can't have a parade without at least a few pipe bands (think there is some law about that). In parts of the maritimes you can still hear gaelic spoken. We even have a part of the country named "New Scotland" Seeing a guy wearing a kilt in Canada may not happen every day but no one looks at you as if you are from the Mother Ship and about to say "take me to your leaders". As the band "Spirit of the West" sings "There are none so Scot as the Scots abroad". We have a short history as a Country and are still building our traditions. Those that we do have we hold on to. In North America it helps set us apart and to define who we are. With all that being said - there was a big reorg of the armed services in the '70's. Many disliked what was done and as a result the Government may have been worried about touching these old regiments. Lately some in the army have suggested changes - so we still may lose some of them. Just one guy's thoughts.