Among the supporters of the Ranger Foundation attending the ceremony was John MacIntyre, Managing Partner of Birch Hill Equity Partners. His firm has made a multi-year commitment to work toward improving the lives of Canada’s First Nations people through education and employment for their youth. Mr. MacIntyre stated, “I was honoured and moved to be part of the group of Canadians who attended this ceremony. First Nations volunteers served with great honour, and it was a privilege to see this recognition here for them in Ypres, Belgium, 100 years later.”

  While the service was just under an hour, they will be remembered forever.

 The First Nations of Canada soldiers who fought in the First World War were recognized and honoured in a service of remembrance in Ypres, Belgium on Wednesday April 5th 2017.  

 The Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (3 CRPG), John B. Newman MSM, CD, created a memorial plaque on behalf of the Ranger Foundation. This plaque honours the over 4,000 First Nations members who voluntarily enlisted and served in the CEF during the Great War. The plaque was installed at St. George’s Memorial Church, which in itself is a sacred memorial honouring the sacrifices of many British and Commonwealth Regiments. In his remarks, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Newman stated, “This plaque will stand for all time as a symbol of gratitude for their service to Canada in the pursuit of freedom for Europe”.

  Author and composer, Jean Miso, sang her original composition, “The Harvest”, during the ceremony. Her song is the theme song of the Ranger Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation created to offer support and awareness of work provided by the Rangers of  the 3 CRPG.

More than 4000 soldiers from Canada’s First Nations served voluntarily during the First World War. A plaque recently unveiled in Ypres, Belgium recognizes their contributions and sacrifices.
(from the Canadian Army facebook page)

 (From the Canadian Army facebook page)

Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel John B. Newman of 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, presented a memorial plaque on behalf of the Ranger Foundation at St. George’s Memorial Church in Ypres, Belgium on April 5th 2017.

Left to Right: John MacIntyre, Managing Partner of Birch Hill Equity Partners, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel John B. Newman of 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, Jean Miso, Author and composer and the Reverend Canon Ray Jones.

St. George’s Memorial Church.