SeanFromCanada's Blog

Originally posted on 09.25.13

Sergeant John Prior was our guide for our Paratrooper for a Day event. He’s a seasoned paratrooper (i.e. veteran) and respected leader (as we came to see through his interactions with his team). After donning borrowed fatigues, combat vests and being loaded down with supplies, John toured us through their main facility.

As we walked through the hall, he stopped at each display, recounting the missions Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) had participated in since World War 1. John proudly educated us on the involvement – and significance – of the unit’s contributions to every major conflict within the past hundred years. You could tell he was not only well versed in the details of each mission, he was extremely proud of the history of his team. This history is important to the unit – there is clearly a bond shared with every soldier who has ever worn their uniform.

He shared with us the names of fallen soldiers in more recent operations (Afghanistan providing the most content for his remembrances). He connected missions to the politics of the Canadian government and the UN. Key battles were recounted, and many Canadian accomplishments proudly flowed as he slowly walked us past displays of captured weapons, unit flags, pictures and significant dates. It was awe-inspiring to learn of the many important contributions these soldiers have made throughout recent world history.

I thought it was incredibly appropriate that we began the day with an enlightenment on the unit’s history. These men and women know their history, and carry it proudly with them as they serve our nation.