RHLI CHURCH PARADE 2006

Capt Tim Fletcher

"Few men are so obstinate in their atheism, that a pressing danger will not compel them to the acknowledgement of a divine power." – Plato 428–348 BC

“There are no atheists in foxholes” – Fr. William T. Cummings, United States Army 1942

Unusually, October 29th – very late fall – dawned clear, bright and warm.  Perfect – and perhaps divinely inspired – weather for a church parade for The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry at the Church of the Ascension at Charlton Avenue and John Street.

“It is our first church parade in many years”, said the RHLI’s then-acting commanding officer, Major Dan Stepaniuk.  He added, “Due to the tempo of training as the role of the Reserves became more important, we got away from this RHLI tradition.  However, with so many of our soldiers in Afghanistan, we felt it was important to renew this reflective aspect of regimental life.” The church has been the regimental church of ”The Rileys” for many decades, and has some of the retired regimental colours hanging on display inside.

The RHLI church service incorporates a unique ceremonial aspect. The Regimental Colour is carried on the parade and then draped on the church altar – one of only two occasions when the colour is permitted to touch something. The only other occasion is a royal ceremony when the Regimental and Queen’s Colours are lowered and may touch the ground.

The ceremony will be repeated this coming October to ensure the tradition is perpetuated.

"In agony or danger, no nature is atheist. The mind that knows not what to fly to, flies to God."  – Henry More (1614–1687)