TICATS MEET THE RILEYS! 01 July 2009

Capt Tim Fletcher

In April 2009, RHLI Honorary Colonel Tom Marlor, and Regimental Senate member Tim Hogarth, CEO of Pioneer Petroleum, approached the TiCats management with the suggestion of honouring our soldiers – especially those just back from overseas missions - at the team’s home opener July 1st – Canada Day.

The ’Cats leapt at the opportunity, and the work began. It was a Hamilton Garrison affair under RHLI lead. Dozens of soldiers were needed to carry out a huge Canadian flag – 125 x 200 feet and 2000 pounds (900 kilos).

The team allocated four executive tents to the soldiers in the TiCats endzone and allowed each soldier to bring a guest. Pioneer Petroleum provided each soldier with a $50.00 fuel voucher.

Thunderous applause greeted the soldiers as they came onto the field with the flag while the crowd belted out O Canada. Two Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) parachuted into Ivor Wynn Stadium, and a CF-18 roared overhead for a couple of passes.

At half-time, it was back onto the field to be honoured, with the sounding of Last Post, a minute’s silence, then Reveille to honour our fallen soldiers.

All in all, quite an evening for the Cats and Rileys!