By 2Lt Alexander Naraine, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden Acting Base Public Affairs Officer

Colonel Andrew Atherton, CFB Borden Commander, and Chief Warrant Officer Michael Charette, the Base Chief, travelled to France during Veterans’ Week to commemorate the centennial of the Armistice and to unveil a symbol of the bond between CFB Borden, the local community and Vimy on November 9, 2018.

The Centennial Bugler is the final piece of the Borden Legacy Project, a venture that began almost five years ago after the discovery of the WWI training trenches on the north side of CFB Borden. Several thousand soldiers who trained in those very trenches would go on to fight during the battle that arguably defined Canada as a nation.

“This is the final chapter in the Borden Legacy Project,” remarked Colonel Atherton, “and I am honoured to have been a part of this once in a lifetime event here in France.”

The Centennial Bugler was created by Canadian artist Marlene Hilton-Moore. It was first unveiled on June 9, 2016, by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the centennial celebration of CFB Borden.

A second Bugler was created to commemorate the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and was unveiled last year at a ceremony at the Hotel de Ville in the City of Arras, France. It remained there for a year before moving to its final resting place at the Vimy Centennial Park.

Colonel Atherton reflected on the history of Vimy and the significance of the event, observing that “there are so many awe-inspiring stories that are intertwined around us, from the Vimy Oak Trees over my shoulder, to the Vimy Bugler that now that stands proudly in front us, all in the presence of what is the greatest monument to Canadian sacrifices made in combat.”

Joining the CFB Borden Command Team was CFB Borden Honorary Colonel James Massie, among other military and local leaders. “I want to highlight Honorary Colonel Massie and his drive, dedication and passion to make this project a reality,” stated Col Atherton. “Without him and the efforts of our community members, this project would never have come to fruition.”