The public had an opportunity to witness a historical celebration held by the West Nova Scotia Regiment who proudly celebrated their new Regimental and King's Colours at the Change of Colours ceremony at Grand Pré National Historic Site, on September 24, 2023.
The receipt and consecration of the Colours at Grand Pré by His Honour, The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, holds special significance as the West Nova Scotia Regiment cap badge bears the Grand Pré Memorial Church on it. The last time the Change of Colours parade occurred was in 1959, in Annapolis Royal on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by then, Lieutenant Governor Major-General the Honourable Edward C. Plow. At that time the Queen's Colours had the Union Jack as a background; the 2023 King's Colours has a Canadian flag as its background.
Formerly called the Queen's Colours, the King's Colours is a flag used by a military unit, which are an organization's most prized and sacred possession. Historically, Regimental Colours identified units and provided a rallying point for army regiments in the line of battle. Today, they are no longer carried in action, however they continue to be visible symbols of pride, honour and devotion to Sovereign and country.
