Why Ottawa Celebrates Colonel By Day
Article By: Ken Holmes
The Canadian Corps of Firefighters
Canada’s wartime engineering story is often told through the lens of the Combat Engineer. Yet in 1941, another uniquely Canadian formation stepped forward - civilian in status, paramilitary in structure, and unmistakably operational in spirit. The Corps of Canadian Firefighters, raised at the request of the United Kingdom during the height of the Blitz, stands as one of the more unusual and least remembered Canadian contributions to the Allied war effort.
President's Message - Op GRANITE II
Honouring Our Heritage, Strengthening Our Future
Although I was unable to attend Operation GRANITE II in person, I followed the weekend's events with tremendous pride. On behalf of the Canadian Military Engineers Association (CMEA), I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making this remarkable commemoration a success.
Op GRANITE II Reunion Celebrates Canadian Military Engineer Legacy in Chilliwack
Hundreds of current and former Canadian Military Engineers, family members, supporters, and members of the public gathered in Chilliwack from July 17–19 for Op GRANITE II, a weekend dedicated to honouring the history, service, and enduring legacy of the Canadian Military Engineers.
Dedication of Combat Diver Memorial at Cultus Lake
On the morning of 19 July 2026, nearly 50 Combat Divers, along with their families and friends, gathered at the former CFSME rafting area on the shores of Cultus Lake to dedicate a memorial honouring Combat Divers who lost their lives in service.
The monument was funded through the generosity of the Combat Divers Association of Canada and Op GRANITE II. A commemorative plaque was designed and mounted through the dedicated efforts of Brian English.