125th Anniversary and Change of Command
By: Lt Patrick Grubber
On the weekend of 24-26 July 2025 Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), alongside dignitaries, the Regimental Society, friends, family, and past members celebrated the 125th Anniversary of our Regiment and a Change of Command Parade.
Annual General Meetings were held on 24 July for both the Regimental Society and the Ceremonial Mounted Troop Foundation, affirming the healthy status of both entities and their continued support to the Regiment. A Town Hall at the Edmonton Garrison Officer’s Mess was then conducted where officers on Regimental strength had the privilege to speak with and learn from the collective experience of LGen Derek Macauley, MGen Joshua Major, Col Mark Lubiniecki, and Col David MacIntyre. Following this special opportunity, the Regiment’s officers and SNCOs joined Lord and Lady Strathcona, Alex and Jane Howard, along with many retired members at the Lamplighter Lounge for a meet-and-greet social. An enjoyable evening was had by all, and many old friends reconnected over shared memories and experiences.
Before the parade started the following morning, Lord and Lady Strathcona took a moment to address the Regiment, graciously emphasizing the bond and solemn affection that our founding family holds for us all. During the parade, the Lt Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Salma Lakhani read a letter from His Majesty King Charles III acknowledging the Regiment for its long and continuous history of excellence. In the era of fostering relationships, the Regiment and the RCMP have recently become closer, and was demonstrated by the return of the A Sqn pennant presented to the Regiment prior to its deployment to the Boer War. The official return was conducted by the Commander of K Division, Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, MOM, as well as the K Division Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major Leilani Collins, and was overseen by the Regimental Sergeant Major of the RCMP, Sergeant Major Mike McGinley, CD. The Change of Command ceremony saw the Colonel of the Regiment, Col (ret’d) Jamie Cade ceremonially pass the Guidon from outgoing CO, LCol Darryn Gray, to incoming CO, LCol Alex Nitu. As is custom, LCol Gray departed the parade in a tank, leaving LCol Nitu to lead the Regiment in a mounted roll-past and the advance in review order - a special moment to conclude a special parade.
The reception that followed at the Harvey Building had a great turnout and displayed vehicles from many different eras of our history for visitors to examine. The Regimental cooks put on a great spread with a pig roast that took multiple long days and nights to prepare. Special thanks to Capt Phil Webster and Cpl Miguel Blanco for the amazing Regimental artifacts brought up from The Military Museum in Calgary to display. The crown jewel of the display were the three Regimental Victoria Crosses earned by Sgt Richardson, Lieutenant Harvey, and Lieutenant Flowerdew, together in one place to commemorate this significant milestone.
The final day of the festivities was time for a relaxing golf tournament in the morning, followed by a dinner and reception at the Northeast River Valley Park Event Centre. A gorgeous venue choice, great food was had, libations were plentiful, and old friends connected one last time before returning home. Overall, a pleasant and appropriate end to a busy and fin-filled week.
Though 125 years of Strathcona history has come and gone, the most important theme that seemed to permeate the events of the anniversary was that much more is to come for the Regiment in the future. The world is less secure than it has been in decades, but Strathconas remain ready to serve when called upon. To 125 more years of Strathcona history and pride.
Perseverance.