Special Holiday Message on Behalf of the Commander 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group

Dear Families and Members of 2 CMBG,

At long last we find ourselves at the doorstep of the holiday season. After long months sheltering at home, we were fortunate to come back to work this past fall. We are now approaching a festive season that will look and feel very different this year.

You have all worked so hard this year through demanding circumstances and we could not be more proud of you. You adapted to the changes that were forced upon you and forged ahead. Thanks to you, Canadians can rest a little easier, confident that when they need us we will be there, well trained and well prepared. With the holidays rapidly approaching we hope that all can take the time to relax during this well-deserved break. Enjoy this period of rest and relaxation with your loved ones; recharge your batteries and come back fresh and ready for whatever comes next.

Please take advantage of technology to virtually reach out to friends and family you may not be able to see this year. There are so many ways that you can spread some joy and be together this holiday season. Remember, physical distancing doesn’t mean social distancing; we can still share the best this season has to offer without risking our health. Some of you may find this time of year especially difficult. Please, reach out to friends, loved ones and peers; there is no need for any of us to be alone. There are resources out there to help you and your family, regardless of the troubles you may be facing.

Seventy-seven years ago, Canadians fighting in Ortona gathered in shifts in the bombed-out church to have a meal. Despite the enemy being only a few metres away, they found a way to celebrate Christmas. Canadians both in combat and at home were forced to make individual concessions to contribute to the war effort. Through the unprecedented context we are facing this year, we are also asking you to make collective sacrifices for the greater good.

We are so fortunate to find ourselves in a country that offers us so many ways to enjoy the winter. I encourage all of you to get outside and make the most of this winter wonderland. Canadians are winter experts, so get out there and play some hockey, go tobogganing or build a snowman. I know that my family and I will be making the most of our first winter in Petawawa. You should also take some time to train and prepare for Ex OLYMPIAN BEAR which will be held entirely outside on the 21st and 22nd of January next year.

However you celebrate this year be sure to stay safe and healthy so we can all be together again in the New Year. Make the kind of choices that your parents, or the Brigade Sergeant-Major would be proud of. We will all remember Christmas 2020, let’s make sure it is for the right reasons!

From our families to yours, we wish you the best of the season. We are looking forward to seeing you all again in 2021.

J.E. Landry, MSM, CD
Colonel Commander 2 CMBG