Canadian Soldiers Celebrate Holidays with Veterans in Northern Ontario

On Christmas Eve, groups of Canadian Army Reserve soldiers visited veterans in long-term care homes across northern Ontario as part of the annual initiative, dubbed Operation Holiday Cheer. Members from the **2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada** in **Sudbury** and **The Algonquin Regiment** in **Timmins** engaged in meaningful conversations with resident veterans, delivering heartfelt holiday wishes and small tokens of appreciation. This initiative underscores the enduring military principle that “once a soldier, always a soldier.”

Expanding Outreach to Veterans

What started as a local tradition for the Irish Regiment has now grown to include additional units under the **Northern Tactical Group** umbrella. This expansion enables the program to reach and acknowledge more veterans residing in care facilities throughout the region.

For **Corporal Derik McArthur** of the Irish Regiment, participating in this event has become an essential aspect of his holiday season. He expressed his sentiments in a news release, stating, “Taking part in this effort every year is a real highlight for me and the other troops. We get to talk to some very special veterans who really enjoy the company.”

Connecting Generations of Service

The visits carry deep significance for serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, many of whom find themselves separated from their families during the holidays due to military obligations. **Lieutenant-Colonel Tracy East**, Commanding Officer of the Northern Tactical Group, emphasized the connection between the veterans’ legacy and the current service of today’s soldiers.

“We’re extremely proud to visit with our local veterans, many of whom are alone for the holidays,” she noted. “With many of our members away from their families this year while they serve on Canadian Armed Forces operations around the world, we’re also proud to carry on their tradition of serving Canada, wherever that leads us.”

Operation Holiday Cheer serves as a poignant reminder of the unbroken chain of service, linking those who served in previous decades with today’s infantry soldiers of the Army Reserve. As the soldiers continue to stand ready across Canada, including northern Ontario, their efforts illustrate a commitment to honouring the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

This initiative not only fosters connections between generations of military personnel but also highlights the importance of community and support during the holiday season, ensuring that no veteran feels alone during this special time of year.