Remembrance Day tribute to Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment

By Suzanne Coolen

PICTON – Remembrance Day ceremonies here included a celebration marking the 150th anniversary of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.

Despite bad weather, more than 700 people came out to honour and remember past and present members of the Canadian Forces in a ceremony at the cenotaph. It was followed by parade to the Picton Legion.

The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment’s anniversary has special meaning for Lt.-Col. Shawn McKinstry. He is a fourth-generation soldier who has a father and a son also currently serving with the unit.

McKinstry said he is very proud to serve in such a well-known and well-regarded unit. “This regiment had more battle honours in World War II than any other Canadian unit,” he said.

The regiment is well-loved in the community, he added: “Most of the members are (Prince Edward) County boys.”

The unit is also the basis for the book The Regiment by Farley Mowat, who served as a platoon commander and intelligence officer during the Second World War.