Kangaroo Reunion 2005

[Mark W. Tonner]

It was an honour and privilege to have attended the Kangaroo Reunion yesterday in Toronto. It was a most enjoyable afternoon. I was able to have some long and informative talks with former members of the Regiment. They may be in their 80's and 90's, but for most, it was as if it were yesterday. What Geoff wrote earlier, when he said "for a brief few hours, the old men become the boys they once were", this is very much true.

A very fine body of men indeed, who know how unique the Regiment was and also know how what they did saved countless Infantrymen's lives and are very proud of it. Their numbers are now declining, but the concept of what brought this body of men together back in 1944, first as an ad hoc unit and then on a temporary basis (1 CAPC Sqn) until finally being 'stood up' as a Regiment and their subsequent deeds will never fade.

Their concept lives on today, but not in the form of a Regiment, but in the simple fact, that there are available to Canadian Infantrymen, the current version of the Armoured Personnel Carrier, the LAV III.

The men I met yesterday truly hold a unique place in the history of the Canadian Army and the memory of the 'Kangaroos', nor their deeds, should ever be forgotten.

Gentlemen, it was truly an honour and a privilege, on behalf of Denise and I, Thank You!

Cheers