THUNDER BAY – A New Year’s Day tradition dating back to the 17th century continued Monday in Thunder Bay.
Members of the local military community gathered at the O’Kelly Armoury to celebrate the first day of 2018 with the annual levee, which in 1646 Quebec governor Charles Huault de Montmagny held to provide updates on the coming year to the community and significant affairs within the colony.
While much of its original reasoning has been lost, the levee is still a proud tradition around the world, including locally, a chance to raise a toast to the Queen and look ahead to 2018.
“It’s a ceremonial and social start to our new year. It’s a chance for serving members of the Thunder Bay garrison and the retired officers and some distinguished members of the community to get together and mark the beginning of the new year,” said Lt.-Col. David Ratz, the commanding officer with the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment.
“We’re not actually planning anything, but it gets the new year off to a social start and also sets us in the mood for the upcoming training year we have.”
One of the dignitaries on hand for Monday’s celebration was Liberal MP Patty Hajdu.
It’s important to recognize the country’s military, Hajdu said, calling her participation in the levee an honour.
“It’s something I actually didn’t anticipate before the election and the connection between the military and of course our country is strong and undeniable, so it’s important for elected officials to come and celebrate with the military and their contributions to Canada,” Hajdu said.
“In doing so, you understand there’s this rich history and intertwinement with the successes and the history of the country.”
The levee is open to the public, beginning at noon.
The O’Kelly Armoury is located at 317 Park Ave.
