Armistace Day Merritt 2026

Filed under: War and conflict by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment

November 11, 2026

Merritt’s Cenotaph was well observed today.11,11,11.

A captain wearing 39th a brigade patch. Laid a wreath for the military.

Local army cadets as in the picture above. Commanded or guarded the cenotaph. Merritt Centennial’s hockey team was there.They formed a presence in the rear and laid a wreath.

In a tender thought, the girl guides of Canada were called upon at least a half a dozen times to lay wreaths.

Old time passed on veterans were ackowledged.

And Agreement for “We will remember them” was garnered and

observed.

Brigade

The 39 Brigade group was recently raised (Spruced up) because of tensions in the world. Tom Newel the Honorary Colonel of the Rocky Mountain Rangers was at the historic start site of the World War Two ” Battan Death March” exploring an old resentment today. Tom has been active of late.

Reserves ( three pips a captain) one ear turned to listen a Prince. photo KDG

The formation you are referring to is likely the 39th Canadian Brigade Group (39 CBG). While it is structured out of historical units with deep-rooted traditions dating back well over a century, the modern brigade-group structure as it exists today was officially formed in 1997 (with various subordinate units undergoing modern reorganizations and amalgamations since, such as the 39 Service Battalion in 2010).Based in the province of British Columbia (with headquarters in Vancouver), 39 CBG is a formation of the Canadian Army Reserve (Primary Reserve) under the 3rd Canadian Division.An overview of how it was raised, its purpose, and its construction includes:

1. How It Was Raised

The 39th Canadian Brigade Group was established in 1997 as part of a restructuring of the Canadian Forces Land Force Command to streamline reserve forces into cohesive, regional brigade groups under the control of area commands.Rather than being raised from scratch as a completely brand-new entity, the brigade was formed by grouping together pre-existing historical militia and reserve regiments scattered across British Columbia—many of which trace their lineage back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries (such as local infantry and artillery units formed during the Victorian era and World Wars).

2. Its Purpose

The primary purposes of the 39th Canadian Brigade Group are:

* Force Generation: To recruit, train, and maintain combat-ready part-time soldiers (reservists) who can augment the Regular Force. * International Deployments: To provide individual volunteers and sub-units for international United Nations (UN) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations. Hundreds of its members have deployed to major missions, including those in Afghanistan. * Domestic Operations & Humanitarian Aid: To support civilian authorities during domestic emergencies within British Columbia—such as responding to natural disasters, severe flooding, and catastrophic wildfire relief efforts. * Community Connection: To act as the tangible military presence in communities across British Columbia, fostering a bridge between the civilian public and the Canadian Armed Forces.

3. What It Is Constructed Of (Composition)

The brigade is comprised of roughly 1,500 reserve soldiers distributed across 11 primary units stationed in armories throughout Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Kamloops, Chilliwack, and other BC communities.Its organizational makeup covers a broad spectrum of combat arms and support services:

* Headquarters 39th Group:

Located in Vancouver (Major-General B.M. Hoffmeister Building). * Infantry (Light Infantry): * The Rocky Mountain Rangers (Headquarters in Kamloops, with companies in Prince George) * The Royal Westminster Regiment (New Westminster and Chilliwack) * The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada (Vancouver) * The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) (Victoria and Nanaimo) * Armoured (Reconnaissance): * The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) (Vancouver) * The British Columbia Dragoons (Kelowna and Vernon) * Artillery: * 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA (Victoria and Nanaimo) * 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA (Vancouver) * Combat Engineers: * 39 Combat Engineer Regiment (Vancouver, Chilliwack, and Trail) * Signals & Communications: * 39 Signal Regiment (Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Kelowna) * Combat Service Support: * 39 Service Battalion (Richmond and Victoria) — handles logistics, transport, supply, and maintenance.Additionally, the brigade works alongside specialized supporting units in the region, such as field ambulances (medical services), military police platoons, and intelligence detachments.

Side note:

The Merritt crown bicycle race held in June. It is on the (12th this year). Registration opened on June 9th if you want to be part of a group that enjoys outdoor physical activity. A bit of mild competition and a sense of belonging.