On February 6, 2022, Her Royal Highness (HRH), Queen Elizabeth II, marked 70 years of service as Sovereign of the UK and the Commonwealth. Her Majesty also serves as the Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. This anniversary is referred to as the Platinum Jubilee and is being recognized across the world. To mark this historic milestone, The RCA Senate has decided that it will provide an enduring and intrinsically meaningful gift to mark the occasion. One of these gifts is to emulate a UK initiative called “The Queen’s Green Canopy”. This is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”. The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School (RCAS) and 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), took part in this initiative on the 1st of June by planting an Ivory Silk Lilac (Syringa Reticulata). It is a small shade tree with fragrant creamy-white flowers that bloom in July. The tree was selected based on the 2021 Urban Forest Management Plan provided by the 5 CDSB Gagetown Environmental Branch. It is optimal for current conditions, as well as predicted future climate in Gagetown. The beauty of this tree will also stand out amongst the existing local vegetation. The Ivory Silk Lilac was obtained from Scott’s Nursery and can be located behind the “Welcome to 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown” sign on Tilley Avenue.
On behalf of The Royal Canadian Artillery, we would like to congratulate HRH on this significant milestone and service to Her subjects!