The Maple Leaf

Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced August 16 that the Government of Canada had restored the historic designations of Canada’s Armed Forces: the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Canadian Army (CA), and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

“Restoring these historic names is an important way of reconnecting today’s military personnel with the proud history and traditions they carry with them as members of the Canadian Forces,” he said. “A country forgets its past at its own peril. From Vimy Ridge to the Battle of the Atlantic and from Korea to the defence of Europe during the Cold War, the proud legacy of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force will once again serve as a timeless link between our veterans and serving soldiers, sailors and air personnel.”

August 16 is a highly significant date; these historic names were restored exactly 100 years after King George V signed a letter granting the “Royal” designation to what was then the Naval Service of Canada, making it the Royal Canadian Navy.

By restoring these historic names, the CF are also restoring an important part of their past. These were the names under which Canadians fought and emerged victorious from the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War, and contributed to the defence of Europe and North America in the early days of the Cold War. Canadians served under these names on our first international peacekeeping missions.

“Restoring these historic names is an important way of reconnecting today’s military personnel with the proud history and traditions they carry with them as members of the Canadian Forces.”