By: Sgt Al Kowalenko, OMC (Retd)
48th Veterans Services Coordinator
THE FALL SEASON ARRIVES WITH REMEMBRANCE WEEK ON THE HORIZON
Greetings to all our 48th veterans, Regimental Family members and Active Battalion soldiers.
The Fall season arrives with a new training season for the 48th Active Battalion and various important activities for our 48th veterans.
As well, the upcoming month of November brings with it Remembrance Week and Remembrance Day, a time of tribute and reflection.
Below are event details for our 48th veterans in October and November:
48TH HIGHLANDERS WO/SGTS MESS DINNER – OCTOBER 18TH
WO/Sgts Mess Dinner (134th edition) will take place on Saturday, October 18th, 1800 hrs at the WO/ Sgts Mess (Reception) and Officers’ Mess (Dinner), Moss Park Armoury, Toronto.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This Dinner event is limited to 48th WOs and Sgts, both retired and current serving Mess members, and special guests.
Full details have already been distributed to potential participants via the 48th WO/Sgts and 48th Regimental Association email lists.
For more information and to register, contact WO Kyle Kowalenko, Mess Treasurer, at email: kylekowalenko@hotmail.com.
BASE BORDEN ASSOCIATION SHOOT – OCTOBER 25TH
The Royal Regiment of Canada Association will host another range day at Canadian Forces Base Borden on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The fun shoot will commence at 0900 hrs at Vimy Range.
This event is open to all Regimental Associations in Southern Ontario and is an excellent opportunity to spend a relaxing and fun day on the range.
Registration is $20 per person (cash or cheque). It is recommended you dress warmly and in layers and bring along rain gear and hearing protection. Parking is available at the Vimy Range.
Overnight accommodation is available at Base Borden at $70 per night.
Participants are responsible to purchase their own ammunition which will be made available on site. Loaner 5.56 mm rifles will be provided. You can also bring your own long rifle(s) with ammunition, provided they comply with the range approved list (max caliber 8 mm).
For more information contact Capt Mehdi Imtiaz at email rsmrrc@rogers.com.
REMEMBRANCE WEEK – NOVEMBER 5-11, 2025
MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Each year, members of the 48th Regimental Association, Active Battalion and Regimental Family pay tribute to the several 48th Highlanders who are buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, as well as 48th veterans of the past.
The memorial service is held at the Regiment’s special monument located at the main entrance to the Cemetery grounds off Mount Pleasant Road, south of Merton street.
Historical Note: The 48th Mount Pleasant monument was initially dedicated to honor Privates Mac Murdock and John Bannatyne who were killed in a train crash at the Streetsville Junction on October 28, 1912. They were returning journey from a Regimental training exercise and mock battle near Milton, Ontario.
Please note service details:
DATE: Saturday, November 8, 2025 TIME: 10:30 am Form Up-11:00 am Service
LOCATION: Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto
DRESS CODE for 48th Veterans marching in the ceremony: blazer, glengarry and medals.
(Members of the 48th Active Battalion are encouraged to attend if they are able.)
NOTE: All veterans and members of the 48th Regimental Family, as well as the general public, are welcome to attend.
PARKING: Available free at the main Mount Pleasant Cemetery parking lot, or on the side areas close to the monument.
POST-SERVICE LUNCH: There will be a post-service informal lunch gathering at “The Bull: A Firkin Pub”, 1835 Yonge Street. Drinks and lunch are at each person’s expense. (Parked cars at the Cemetery may be left there until after the lunch. The Pub is about a 10-15 minute walk from Mount Pleasant for those who are able. Others may require vehicular assistance).
SPECIAL NOTE: This year the 48th Highlanders Regimental Association will hold its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) during the Lunch at the Pub. Details about the AGM will be distributed separately to all Association members.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH – QUEEN’S PARK
The Service of Remembrance at the 48th Highlanders of Canada Regimental Monument commemorates all our 48th veterans who fell in past wars –Boer War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, and Afghanistan. This year, 2025, is the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII.
The exploits and bravery of our war veterans contributed to the 50 “Battle Honours” that have been awarded to the 48thHighlanders during its 134 year history as one of Canada’s most storied infantry regiments.
All current 48th veterans and members of the Regimental Family are encouraged to attend the Queen’s Park service to honor our fallen. Our veterans will form up on the east side of the Monument.
The 48th Active Battalion soldiers, under the command of LCol Tyler Wentzell, CD, will be on parade along with the 48th Pipes & Drums and Military Band.
Please note the service details:
DATE: Sunday, November 9, 2025 TIME: 10:30 am Form Up; 11:00 am Service
LOCATION: 48th Highlander Regimental Monument, Queen’s Park, Toronto.
DRESS CODE for 48th Veterans at the service: blazer, glengarry and medals.
N.B. 48th Veterans will form up on the east side of the Monument. At 10:30 am.
PARKING: Various parking areas by Bloor-Avenue Road and University of Toronto grounds.
RECEPTION:
- The reception after the service is at U of T Alumni Hall (a short two minute walk from the memorial) and runs from 12:00hrs to 14:00hrs and as per last year’s reception food and drink refreshments will be available at no cost; there will brief introductory comments by the HonCol/CO and repatriation of three medal sets for the museum.
- The Pipes & Drums will be playing a brief concert in front of Alumni Hall as attendees arrive commencing approximately at 11:45hrs.
Let’s have a great turnout of 48th veterans to the service and remember our fallen and the sacrifice they made for freedom.
135TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 48TH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA IN 2026
In 2026, the 48th Highlanders of Canada will celebrate the Regiment’s 135th Anniversary.
Our Regiment was officially established on 16 October 1891 in Toronto with the strong support of the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the local Scottish community.
Since 1891, more than 17,000 Highlanders have served the Regiment in war and peace time. With 50 Battle Honours to its credit, the 48th Highlanders is one of Canada’s pre-eminent infantry regiments to serve this country over the past century and a third.
During the Spring of 2026, special celebrations will be held in Toronto to mark the 135th Anniversary of the Regiment.
Plans are currently under review and more details will be issued by the end of the year. Updated information will be distributed when it becomes available.
48TH HIGHLANDERS MUSEUM–“ARCHIVAL VIDEO INTERVIEW PROJECT” (AVIP)
The next few months are a good time to consider arranging an interview with the 48th Museum staff to talk about your experiences while serving with the 48th Highlanders or remembering family members who also served with the Regiment.
The goal of the AVIP is to record in video/digital format the reminiscences of 48th Highlanders veterans, Active Battalion, and Regimental Family members (post WWII) for inclusion in the Museum archives.
These interviews are informal and can be arranged at either the Museum or at your premises. (N.B. The Museum is open every Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am to 2 pm.)
For more information, and to book an appointment, please contact Mr Peter Olsen, 48th Museum, St Andrew’s Church, 73 Simcoe St, at his telephone # 647-774-5164, or email fourdozen48@gmail.com.
Tell us your stories and be part of the 48th video history for future generations!
VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA (VAC) - UPDATE
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) regularly updates its website at www.veterans.gc.ca with news and information of interest to all CF veterans.
In November, there will be a large section on their website devoted to “Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week”. This year’s theme will be “Canadian Armed Forces in the Americas”.
This year’s highlights also include remembrance of the “80th Anniversary of the end of WWII (1945)” including the Liberation of the Netherlands by the Canadian Forces and Allies.
VAC CLAIMS
Our 48th Veterans Services Team can be of assistance if you are looking to submit claims for VAC benefits in the following areas: (NB – Claims must be based on injuries sustained while on active duty with the Canadian Forces.)
- Hearing loss and tinnitus (Veterans who served from the 1950s through the 1970s have a strong chance for a claim in this area. This is because most did not have appropriate hearing protection during training and also did not have exit medicals when they ended their CF service.)
- Injuries to joints, spine and back
- Brain injury and severe concussions
- Dental and eye injuries
- Operational Stress Injuries (OSI…formerly PTSD) and Mental Health issues
- Emergency shelter and accommodation requirements for homeless veterans
(Please note all conditions requiring VAC medical assistance follow-up must be accompanied by the appropriate supporting documents from accredited doctors or clinicians.)
Contact our 48th Veterans Services Team at our coordinates listed at the end of the Blog and we will be pleased to assist and provide the appropriate direction for VAC claims.
VETERANS INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM (VIP)
VAC has a Veterans Independence Program (VIP) for those veterans who have serious chronic illnesses or are 80+ years of age. The goal of the Program is to provide financial assistance to help veterans remain independent in their own homes. If remaining at home is not an option, VAC will assist with immediate care of the veteran in a community facility.
Each veteran applying for this Program will be interviewed and assessed by a VAC representative prior to any benefits being assigned.
VAC DEFINITION OF CF VETERAN STATUS
“A veteran is any former member of Canadian Armed Forces (Regular or Reserves) who successfully underwent basic training and was honorably discharged.”
This definition has been in use by VAC for the past 20+ years, and as VAC states “…recognizes the risk Canadian Armed Forces members assume by wearing the uniform and pledging allegiance.”
All former serving members of the 48th Highlanders of Canada who meet the above criteria are “Veterans” and should be aware of their status with VAC should they require any future assistance.
If you need more source information and wish to speak with a VAC agent, you may also call directly at toll free 1-866-522-2122. They also have an additional toll free line at 1-800-268-7708 known as “VAC Assistance Service” which is offers 24-hour counselling with a mental health professional, if required.
Please contact our Veterans Services Team about more information on how to obtain a Veterans Identification Card (NDI 75). The card assists in attending various events and offers where a military discount applies.
VETERANS BENEFITS GUIDE 2025
Legion Magazine publishes an annual “Veterans Benefit Guide” and the 2025 edition is currently available free to all CF veterans and serving personnel.
To obtain your digital copy, visit the Legion Magazine website at www.legionmagazine.com. (The Guide icon is located about half way down the home page.) Follow the prompts for the download.
The 25-page Guide provides extensive information regarding Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) benefits and how to apply for them. It walks you through the application process, explains how decisions are made, and how you can appeal claims that are not approved.
If you have any questions about the Guide, please contact our 48th Veterans Services Team for further assistance.
SUNNYBROOK VETERANS CENTRE - TORONTO
Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto is currently home to two of our 48th veterans:
Sgt Oswald Reece, CD (Retd), affectionately known to his friends as” “Ozzie” served with the 48th Highlanders for more than 30 years from 1975 to 2008 and was the Regimental Quartermaster for 20+ years during that time, and also served a United Nations tour overseas.
As usual, Ozzie is in good spirits and says he would like to see Warrant Officers and Sergeants from his era to talk over old times again. He also welcomes all members of the 48th Regimental Family as well.
If you would like to drop by and visit Ozzie, he is located at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, L Wing, 3rd floor, Room 47. Please call him first on his cell phone 647-381-4125 to arrange a visit time.
Capt Bruce Beaton, CD (Retd) has also been a resident at Sunnybrook for several years. He is located at Room 74- L Wing. Visits for Bruce are monitored. Please contact us for more info.
IN MEMORIAM
During the past few months, we have seen the passing of three well known 48th veterans listed below.
We pay tribute to their important service to the Regiment, and will remember them and miss them:
WO Don Pringle, CD 1932-2025
WO Julien Moreau, CD 1942-2025
The Rev Dr Kenneth Bice, CD 1949-2025
Note: A full article on WO Don Pringle was included in The Falcon (July 2025 issue) which is available online at the Regiment’s website www.48thhighlanders.ca. Articles on the other veterans will be included in a future issue of The Falcon.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING
EVENTS IN 2025
FOR 48TH VETERANS AND
REGIMENTAL FAMILY MEMBERS
- October 18: 48th WO/Sgts Mess Dinner (Moss Park Armoury) (Limited to past and present WOs and Sgts)
- October 25: Base Borden Association Shoot
- November 8: 48th Mount Pleasant Service of Remembrance and Luncheon
- November 8: AGM 48th Highlanders Regimental Association
- November 9: Service of Remembrance (48th Regimental Monument, Queen’s Park)
- November 11: Remembrance Day (Tuesday) – Toronto City Hall Service (Optional)
- 2026 (Tentative): 48th Highlanders 135th Anniversary Celebrations, Toronto. (More details to follow later this year. Open to all 48th past and serving members.)
If you have other 48th events to publicize this year, please forward the information and we will have it distributed through the 48th Regimental Association.
Special Note: The 48th Highlanders website at www.48thhighlanders.cahas now added a new tab “Calendar”to the top of the Home Page. Please consult it for further information on the dates and events listed during the year. Additional dates and amendments may be submitted to Sgt Adam Bernard, CD (Retd), at email webmaster@48thHighlanders.ca.
THE 48th HIGHLANDERS WEBSITE & 48th REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
Our 48th veterans should be aware that our Regiment maintains an active website at www.48thhighlanders.ca. The site contains full information about the Active Battalion as well as various sections for Veterans Services, 48th Association, Museum, and History/Traditions.
If you haven’t already done so, you can sign up on the website as member of the 48th Highlanders Regimental Association. You will then be included in the Association’s database to receive regular emails of interest to the 48thRegimental Family. Membership is free.
THE FALCON – JULY 2025
Have you seen the latest issue of the Falcon, it was released last July, it can be viewed at this link:
https://museum.48thhighlanders.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Falcon-July2025-WEB.pdf
THE 48th HIGHLANDERS MUSEUM
The 48th Highlanders Museum is located in the lower level of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (King & Simco Sts, Toronto). The Museum is one of the best Regimental Museums in the country and has hundreds of artifacts from the founding of the Regiment in 1981 to the present day.
Museum hours are Wednesday and Thursdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and admission is free. It is an excellent historical resource and well worth a visit for persons of all ages.
More information on the Museum can be obtained at the 48th Museum website at this link: https://museum.48thhighlanders.ca
THE 15TH BATTALION, CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE WEBSITE
48th VETERANS SERVICES TEAM INFORMATION CONTACT:
The 48th Veterans Services Team is part of the 48th Highlanders Regimental Association. It is a group of dedicated volunteers who offer their services free of charge to our veterans.
Key Information Contact:
Sgt Al Kowalenko, OMC (Retd), 48th Veterans Services Coordinator
Email: ursa77@rogers.com,
Cell: 416-219-4967 (Message service available 24/7)
Web: www.48thhighlanders.ca/veteransservices
Special Note: The 48th website section “Veterans Services” contains full details of the various areas we help veterans and their families. Visit www.48thhighlanders.ca and click “The Regiment” on the top bar, followed by “48th Veterans Services” in the drop down box.
There are a number of volunteers in our Veterans Services Team network who are available to assist you. They are all 48thveterans who can discuss veterans’ issues and ways to obtain support.
Please call or email us if you have any questions about Veterans Affairs Canada applications, government veterans’ service programs, or 48th veterans’ events for 2025-26.
We will do our best to assist you as required and lend a helping hand.
DÌLEAS
GU BRÀTH
