Canada Revives Royal Past
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On Tuesday, Peter MacKay, the Canadian Minister of National Defence, announced the restoration of the historic names of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force have been known since 1968 as ‘Maritime Command’, ‘Land Force Command’ and ‘Air Command’ respectively.
Commenting on the reversal of the 1968 restructuring, MacKay said that "Restoring these historic identities is an important way of reconnecting today’s men and women in uniform with the proud history and traditions they carry with them as members of the Canadian Forces." He then added, "From Vimy Ridge to the Battle of the Atlantic and from Korea to the defence of Europe during the Cold War, the proud legacy of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force will once again serve as a timeless link between our veterans and serving soldiers, sailors and air personnel."
Although this announcement marks a return to their roots for the respective services, the Canadian Armed Forces will continue to operate under a unified command.
The restoration of the Royal titles, shortly after the first official foreign visit and tour by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, may signal a resurgence of the popularity of the British Monarchy in Canada.
