People of the Passage November 2024

Photo: Wing Commander Colonel David Holmes and Wing Chief Warrant Officer pictured in front of 12 Wing crest. Photo supplied courtesy of 12 Wing Shearwater

by Gail Haarsma — The Beacon sat down with 12 Wing’s  Commander, Colonel. David Holmes, 15 months after he stepped into the role on July 11, 2023, to talk about the significance of Remembrance Day to him personally and to the military in general.

Col. Holmes spoke about his grandfather’s influence, a World War II (WWII) veteran who saw the horrors of war first hand as a field surgeon during D-Day plus 3 in the Normandy Campaign. Through his grandfather’s stories, often heard second or third hand, Col. Holmes got his first real picture of what Remembrance Day was all about.

“Now that I put the uniform on, I’m part of that,” he said, “Remembrance Day puts into perspective my role…and the gravity of commanding 12 Wing…the tremendous responsibility I have to the folks under my command who are deployed in areas of conflict to defend Canadian values around the world.”

Col. Holmes noted, while Remembrance Day began as a commemoration to veterans from World War I, WWII, and the Korean War, it has evolved to include more recent conflicts (e.g. the Baltics and Afghanistan). He reminded us the world is unstable and war is still a reality, citing the current wars in Ukraine and Israel. 

On Nov. 11, Col. Holmes wanted Beacon readers to remember “Canadians just like you and me, are called upon to go and serve Canada, with some giving the ultimate sacrifice. The freedoms we have in Canada over the past 70 to 100 years are due to those who served. Remember the sacrifice and dedication of those who have served and are serving to promote and preserve Canadian values.”

He noted attending a Remembrance Day ceremony, wearing a poppy over your heart, and writing a letter to veterans or serving members of the military are substantial ways to show gratitude. 

The Beacon also asked about key moments in Canada’s military history Canadians should remember. Col. Holmes mentioned D-Day, June 6, 1944 (Juno Beach, Normandy) where 5000 Canadians died in a battle that changed the tide of Western Europe’s occupation. He also said he would be remiss if he did not mention the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100-year anniversary, whose mission is “to protect our skies, our people, and our way of life.”

Col. Holmes spoke about the importance of wearing poppies as the visible Remembrance Day symbol. This practice emerged based on the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian brigade surgeon who helped the wounded after the Second Battle of Ypres. He spotted a cluster of poppies and channeled the voice of the fallen soldiers buried under that bright red carpet as the inspiration for his poem. 

“Remembrance Day has always just been engrained in Canadian society…The poppy itself is well recognized in Canada and internationally as a symbol of peace and remembrance,” said Col. Holmes. “Wreath laying is also a tremendous act of remembrance. There will always be a place for wreath laying.”

While the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is still the cornerstone of activities, Col. Holmes pointed out the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada have become more deliberate with educating Canadians on Remembrance Day’s meaning. The National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program is a great way to educate fellow Canadians when active military members visit schools and local organizations, bringing a message of how Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members contribute to local communities and on the international stage.

Col. Holmes noted that the HRM has been a navy town from its inception, with visible military presence in the form of ships, people in uniform and many families who have connections to the CAF. 

Remembrance Day ceremonies supported by 12 Wing include: 

Sullivan’s Pond: 12 Air Maintenance Squadron & 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron

Cole Harbour: 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron 

Eastern Passage: 12 Operations Support Squadron & 12 Wing Headquarters

Shearwater Community Council: Afghan Memorial by MFRC 

In honour of Remembrance Day, a CH148 Cyclone helicopter will be conducting fly pasts over Grand Parade in Halifax at 11:02am, Sullivan’s Pond at 11:08am, Cole Harbour Place at 11:09am, and the Caen Legion Branch in Eastern Passage at 11:10am. (All timings approximate.) 

While Remembrance Day can engender a sense of pride in being part of the legacy of what makes western society free in those who wear the uniform, it can also bring to mind colleagues lost along the way and difficult situations. The CAF provides support to veterans and their families with counselling and compensation for mental health needs, such as PTSD or depression.