Operation Husky 2013
Project Update- September 2011
Less than 2 Years and Counting Down
Dear Friends,
If you are receiving this update, it means that at some you point in time you expressed interest in knowing more about Operation Husky 2013. At this point in time we are asking for confirmation of continued support by contacting us with expressions of interest in participating through one of two seven-day travel packages organized around the commemorative events planned for the summer of 2013.
Over 70 people have already confirmed their interest in joining us in Sicily for this important commemoration. In order to ensure that each fallen soldier is represented appropriately during the role call at the War Cemetery at Agira, we will shortly be sending out letters to those who have confirmed their interest. This is so that participants can secure their place in this ceremony during which they will be asked to represent a specific soldier while standing at their grave.
Our project is moving along very nicely. It seems that every week we have more encouraging news. Operation Husky 2013 is now focused narrowly and specifically on the organization of two commemorative events:
At Pachino on July 10th, 2013
At the Canadian War Cemetery near Agira on July 30th, 2013. The ceremony will be followed in the evening with a Pipe Band concert in the center of town
Only a small group estimated at 6 people are expected to undertake the entire march along the path taken by the 1st Canadian Division in 1943.
Progress is being made on many fronts...
We have received important expressions of interest from various officers, Honoraries and association members from the following regiments: the Royal Canadian Regiment, the 48th Highlanders of Canada, the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, the Royal 22nd Regiment, the Royal New Brunswick Regiment (C & Y), Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, the Ontario Regiment, the Royal Canadian Artillery and the 12e Régiment Blindé (Three Rivers Regiment).
The Gregg Centre for Strategic Studies at the University of New Brunswick has become an important partner in the project. They are an invaluable source of information with regards to logistics in Sicily, not mention historical content.
Explorica Canada has been selected as our tour operator for Operation Husky 2013. Since 2005, Explorica has been creating Canadian War History tour events and itineraries that have given over 4,000 participants the opportunity to experience this unique part of their shared Canadian history. More information on this topic is included below
We have had informal expressions of interest from the Historica Dominion Institute and we are exploring opportunities for partnership in the promotion of Operation Husky 2013 among Canadian school teachers at the elementary and secondary levels.
We have made an excellent contact Lt. Gen. Michel Maisonneuve (ret.) he is the Academic Director Royal Military College in Saint Jean Quebec.
Stephen Gregory, Founder of Operation Husky 2013 recently made the trip to Sicily in order to do some reconnaissance and to establish connections with local government. We are pleased to report that both the towns of Agira and Pachino are onboard and are offering their support.
TLN, the largest Canadian-Italian broadcaster is also firmly behind Operation Husky 2013. We are working hard to identify contacts and develop relationships at CTV and CBC.
Canada Company is actively involved in supporting our project and continue to help us by making vital connections among both the business and military communities.
Steve Gregory met with the Chief of Defense Staff, Walt Natynczyk and discussed the project. The CDS agreed to help secure the interest of the Seaforth and 417 Squadron who flew missions over Sicily.
Museo Dello Sbarco Display
Dr. Andrew Gregory, curator of the RCOC museum and member of the Organization of Military Museums of Canada, is presently working with Canadian Forces museums across the country to secure artifacts to be presented to the Museo Dello Sbarco in Catania, Sicily. The Museo Dello Sbarco tells the story of the conflict that took place there during the Sicilian campaign. Dr. Gregory will be donating the artifacts collected from Canadian Forces Museums in order to enhance the representation of the role played by Canadians. Please note that the travel packages include the option of paying a visit to the Museo Dello Sbarco.
Travel Packages and Itineraries
The Project is focused on two major events, one at the landing site near Pachino on July 10th, 2013 and the second in Agira on July 30th, 2013 featuring a re-enactment of the Seaforth Highlanders Pipe Band concert on that day 70 years earlier. Explorica and the Gregg Centre to design travel itineraries that will provide the best of both military history and Sicilian cultural highlights
Travel Packages are starting at $2200.00. This includes transportation and 7 days in Sicily on the dates surrounding either of the two major commemorative ceremonies mentioned above. Explorica’s tour planning also allows for participants to choose from a selection of optional activities, including days at the beach, visits to local museums and pizza making. The package includes but is not limited to:
Round trip airfare with hotel accommodation with private bathroom (based on double occupancy)
Full European breakfast daily
Most bus transportation while in Sicily
Museo Dello Sbarco
Many optional travel excursions in Sicily are planned
What You Can Do to Help
Operation Husky 2013 needs your help. Here is a short list of actions you can take to push our project along!
1. Contact Explorica Canada for information about specific travel agendas! They can help you assemble or join a group that can reduce travel expenses. For more information please contact Explorica at
[email protected] or 1.888.378.8845 ext 266.
2. Spread the word about Operation Husky 2013 to:
Friends and family that may be interested in joining us!
Your Regimental Association or friends and get them excited about joining our project
Tell us about any contacts that you might have in:
o Regiments that might want to join us
o Partners or contacts who could help us (i.e. the Legion)
3. Contact Steve Gregory with any specific suggestions or contributions that you may be able to make.
Please do not hesitate to forward the information contained herein to friends and associates with an interest in supporting Operation Husky 2013. For more information on the travel packages and/or the project itself please do not hesitate to contact us at the following coordinates:
Canada Company
4020 St-Ambroise, Suite #399
Montreal, Quebec,
H4C 2C7
(514) 931-5858 ext. 282
Or call Steve Gregory Directly at:
514-919-5858
www.operationhusky2013.ca
