The honorary colonel appointment for both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army both date back to 1895, and in the early years, was a way for retired military officers to remain connected to the units that they had been involved with. To quote Sir Robert Borden who described the practice of appointing honoraries as, “Of greatest advantage to the militia to be able to enlist the interest and sympathy of gentleman of position and wealth by connecting them to Regiments.” This stands true to current appointees as they represent the liaison between the communities and the regiments or squadrons that they represent.
The process of appointing honorary colonels is not taken lightly and in no way is an expedited process. Each unit decides who they want as an honorary colonel. On the recommendation of the chief of the defence staff and the minister of the national defence approves all honorary appointments. These unpaid positions are usually for tenures of three years, but they are renewable.
There are different types of honorary appointments in the Canadian Army: colonel-in-chief, colonel of the regiment, honorary colonel and honorary lieutenant-colonel. In the Reserve Army, units usually have two honorary positions: honorary colonel and honorary lieutenant-colonel. The Royal Canadian Air Force appoints honorary colonels that represent either squadron or wings, but the roles and responsibilities remain the same. The main focus areas are developing, promoting and sustaining strong community support for the unit they represent. They also maintain a close liaison with the unit commanding officer or commandant and other honoraries in the area, which for Lunenburg County has developed a unique partnership.
Dan Hennessey was appointed honorary colonel for 14 Construction Engineering Squadron for a three-year term in 2015. Hennessey had never served, but spent time as an Air Cadet and was a great supporter of the Canadian Military prior to his appointment. 14 CES has a headquarter located in Bridgewater and a Reserve Flight, 143 CEF. The squadron also has Reserve Flights in Pictou, Gander and Aldergrove, B.C.
Don Downe, a well-known political figure on both the provincial and municipal stages, along with a successful businessman was appointed honorary colonel of the West Nova Scotia Regiment earlier in 2018 which brings two well-known individuals on the South Shore working closely with military units. Both men understand the importance of their roles and look forward to helping build public awareness of their respective units. They want to help educate on the tremendous opportunities that the Reserve units hold for our young men and women on the South Shore as an employment option. Both men have also discussed taking their goals and objectives to the many municipal councils in the area to help bring their respective roles to a wider audience.
Both Downe and Hennessey are comfortable in talking with and praising the members they serve at every opportunity they have. Whether that is in a formal mess dinner setting or walking the streets and interacting with a curious public somewhere on the South Shore. They may wear a different uniform, but the ideals are the same in that it is an honour to give back in any way they can, to those that have, and continue to give so much for our freedom.
