Canada’s navy, air force returns to royal roots
Posted August 16, 2011 9:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After more than four decades, the federal government is restoring the once familiar names of the air and maritime divisions of the Canadian Forces.
Federal Defence Minister Peter MacKay said they will again officially be known as the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Land Force Command will be called simply the Canadian Army.
The names Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy were altered in 1968 and the word ‘royal’ was removed when the branches were amalgamated under the name of the Canadian Forces.
MacKay said the change is intended to help those in uniform reconnect with their past. He also said the government felt compelled to right a historic wrong.
The federal government said it believes that an important element of Canada’s military heritage was lost when the three former services were forced to relinquish their historic titles. It also said the change is about stressing traditional ties to Queen Elizabeth II and the monarchy.
It’s not yet known if there will be a change to the command structure, or whether the uniforms and colours will alter as well.
The decision came not long after Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, respectively, toured Canada on their honeymoon.
Although the royal couple caused a lot of buzz during their visit, many people told 680News they do not see the relevance of connecting the Canadian military with England.
“I don’t think it should be Royal anymore. I think the monarchy is out of date,” one woman told 680News. “The young generation with William and Kate, that’s refurbishing their image but we don’t need to bring it back,” one man said.
However, some people said they had no problem with the name change.
“There is a little bit of relevance. It’s history, that’s always relevant. But going forward, maybe it should be honoured. It doesn’t have to be in my books.” Graham told 680News.
“I kind of like it. Honestly, it kind of makes you part of something bigger,” another man said. “It brings us back to our roots. It reminds us of where we came from,” one woman said.