Each Summer, our 48th Highlanders veterans participate in two important
parades that take place each July and August. This year, the parades will be
held as follows:
83rd Anniversary of The Landing in Sicily/Pachino Day
Parade: Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:00 pm, Belleville Armoury
The “Landing in Sicily/Pachino Day Parade” is an annual event held in Belleville, Ontario to recognize the Allied forces landing in Sicily on July 10, 1943, as part of “Operation Husky” and the start of the WWII Italian Campaign. The fighting lasted for two years throughout Italy culminating in the final surrender of German and remaining fascist Italian forces in Caserta, Italy on 02 May 1945.
The July 10th date is significant for the 48th Highlanders because The
Regiment was deeply involved in the Italian Campaign and won 25 of its 27
WWII battle honours during several major engagements in Italy, all the while
advancing across Sicily and subsequently north up the Italian peninsula before being transferred from the Italian theatre to Northwest Europe to participate in the liberation of The Netherlands.
This year is the 83rd anniversary of the Landing in Sicily. Hosting the Parade will be the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, along with participation by The 48th Highlanders of Canada and The Royal Canadian Regiment. All three regiments landed together in Sicily in July, 1943, and have been marking the anniversary of the Landing together every year since then. This year’s celebration will be the 83rd in a row!
For those 48th veterans and their families/friends (and active unit members) who would like to march or participate in the “Landing in Sicily/Pachino DayParade”, here are the details. Please note that the timings this year differs somewhat from the timings in years past.
DATE: Friday, July 10, 2026
TIMES: Parade/Service 1900 hrs (7:00 pm); Spaghetti Dinner 1930 hrs (7:30
pm).
LOCATION: Belleville Armoury, 187 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, Ontario. Directions From Toronto: Highway 401 East to North Front St exit Belleville, then south to Pinnacle St.
DRESS CODE FOR 48TH VETERANS MARCHING IN THE PARADE: 48th badged glengarry, white short-sleeve dress shirt, grey slacks, black dress shoes. Medal ribbons (if you have them) to be worn above the left shirt pocket. All 48th Active Battalion members are welcome to participate in the parade with our veterans in dress as specified by the Commanding Officer.
DINNER: This year the dinner will take place at 1930 hrs in the Armoury. The dinner is open to all and will be a traditional Italian style dinner with spaghetti and meatballs, bread, wine and desserts. The cost of the dinner will be $20 per person (the cost of the dinner to 48th veterans will be covered as in previous years).
PARADE: Veteran members of the 48th, the RCR and the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment will form up on the Armoury parade square at 1900 hrs (7:00 pm) and march outside to the cenotaph for a memorial service. In the case of inclement weather, the service will be held inside.
GUESTS: All members of the 48th Regimental Family are welcome to attend the Parade and memorial service. Seating is available. Local free parking is plentiful near the Armoury location.
TRANSPORTATION: Participants are responsible to provide their own transportation to Belleville. If you can assist with car pooling that would be appreciated.
WARRIORS DAY PARADE, – 105th ANNUAL
10:30 am, Saturday, August 22, 2026
Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Toronto
This year, the Warriors’ Day Parade will celebrate its 105th
Anniversary. The Parade began at Toronto’s CNE in 1921, three
years after the end of WWI. It is the largest parade for CAF
veterans in Canada, with several thousands of participants and
spectators each year.
Our parade contingent will again be led by our 48th Drill
Team, a guard commander, and the 48th Pipes and Drums/
Military Band. We are looking for a good turnout of our 48th
veterans to help support the event and maintain The Regiment’s
well deserved profile in Toronto and Canadian society.
Our active unit members will be marching as part of the 32
Brigade contingent. This year special recognition will be given
to the Royal Canadian Legion which is celebrating its 100th
Anniversary (1926-2026).
For those 48th veterans who would like to march in the
Warriors Day Parade, here are the details:
DATE: Saturday, August 22, 2026 Time: 1030-1200 hrs
LOCATION: Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Toronto,
across from Fort York Armoury, 660 Fleet Street (form up in the east parking lot
by the Princes’ Gates, CNE, by 1015 hrs)
DRESS CODE FOR 48TH VETERANS MARCHING IN THE PARADE: 48th-badged
glengarry, white short-sleeved dress shirt, grey slacks, black dress shoes. Medal
ribbons (if you have them) to be worn above the left shirt pocket.
GUESTS: All members of the 48th Regimental Family are welcome to attend
the parade. Admission to the CNE on August 22nd is free to all Canadian
Forces (Regular and Reserve) current and past members. You must show your
CF identification (Active or Veteran) card to gain free admission to the CNE. If
you don’t have an ID card, you may also use your CF release certificate.
PARKING: There is free parking for veterans at the CNE underground lot of
the Enercare Centre by the Princes’ Gates (north side underground entrance).
Military ID will be checked.
VIEWING STAND: Located just inside the Princes’ Gates, there is a large,
multi-tier viewing stand for those who would like to see the Parade from the
best possible vantage point.
POST PARADE: Various Messes will be open at Fort York Armoury for post
parade participants and guests. Drinks and light snacks are usually available
for purchase.
More information on the Warriors’ Day Parade may be obtained on the
parade’s official website at https://thewarriorsdayparade.ca/
VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA (VAC) – UPDATES
The Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) website at www.veterans.
gc.ca provides extensive information on a number of areas
related to support of our Regular Force and Reserve veterans, as
well as Canadian military history topics of interest.
VAC agents are available to answer your questions during
regular business hours at 1-866-522-2122. There is also a 24-hour
emergency line for veterans requiring counselling with a Mental
Health Professional at 1-800-268-7708.
If you wish to set up a VAC account with an agent regarding
disability support, please remember to have your military service
number and CF documentation available.
Note: If you have completed your CAF service and have
sustained an injury during duty, you may be qualified for
disability benefits. Contact our 48th Veterans Services Team for
more information or to discuss your options.
MILITARY DISCOUNTS FOR 48TH VETERANS
The website below provides an extensive list of discounts for veterans and active service members across Canada. The site is titled: “Canadian Military & Veteran Discount Guide: The Ultimate List” (Dealhack Guides). You can access the Guide at the following internet address:
https://dealhack.ca/blog/canadian-military-discounts
There are literally scores of places that now accept veterans’ cards for discounts. Wherever you go, always remember to check if the establishment recognizes military discounts. It may save you hundreds of dollars per year!!
48TH VETERANS INFORMATION CONTACT
Sgt. Al Kowalenko, OMC (Ret’d)
Veterans Services Coordinator & Vice-President
48th Highlanders Regimental Association
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 416-219-4967 (message service 24/7)