It is now time to provide a brief report and bring some closure to our very successful Centennial Celebrations. This was a great event with several aspects worthy of particular note.

We were able to SELF FUND the celebrations. In fact there was a surplus of approximately $3200 after all bills were paid including the gala event, the Waggoners Park project and the publication of the Last Waggon. Other than the outstanding support received from Base Borden, NO government or commercial support was received. We should be very satisfied that RCASC members were proud enough of their Corps to support the celebration. I was particularly pleased with the generous financial support given by several when needed and it was also gratifying to see the fiscal support provided by others of modest means. You did your Corps and military heritage proud.

Waggoners Park. There are many visitors to the Park and the feedback has been excellent. It is used by CFSAL to show recruits the history of one of the great predecessors of the Logistics Branch. It is also used on Remembrance Day and at other appropriate times. The refurbishment of our RCASC Cenotaph area was a great idea that was fulfilled to the great satisfaction of our members. The SOP for the Spreading of Ashes at the Corps Memorial in Waggoners Park is now completed. To accommodate several requests, members can prepay the Base Borden Military Museum if they want their name engraved on the tablet in Waggoners Park and on the engraved brass plate in the museum memorial chapel. See below for details.

The Last Waggon. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Colonel J.D. Murray for the tremendous research and writing efforts that he put forth in his book. Many have applauded his efforts and the publication and distribution of the The Last Waggon was a real highlight of our celebrations. To many, the book has become a real treasure and memory of their friends and military service. Again, J.D. our sincere thanks and appreciation for your wonderful contribution. I would be remiss if I didn't also thank those who provided J.D. with factual support when he was doing his research.

The Celebration. What can I say that hasn't been said over and over again? The only regret that many of us had was we didn't have enough time to spend with so many friends. Sadly we know there were friends there that we will never see again Although some ground work was done by others, Don Basinger and his committee did a stellar job of picking up the different pieces and ideas and molding them into a great plan that worked exceptionally well. Don's committee worked hard for him and for us and we are very grateful as we reaped the benefits. Space precludes me from going on and on but we all agree that we will remember the celebration for the rest of our lives. Thanks Borden committee - we are all really grateful.

CFB Borden and CFSAL. Major Mike Sears and the many CFSAL soldiers were simply outstanding. Their positive attitude and desire to help was impressive. Mike and the school took an idea and implemented it or a problem and solved it with a minimum of fuss and bother. We cannot say enough about Mike and the support provided by his team. The Base Commander Colonel Bill Reid and the two RSMs (CFSAL and Base Borden) served us above and beyond. Without the support of CFSAL and the Base we would have been in serious trouble and our costs would have been prohibitive. We are truly grateful for this support and cannot thank the Base and CFSAL enough.

We have purchased RCASC flags, which will be looked after by the RSM CFSAL, and the Corps flag will be flown in Waggoners Park daily. Durable high quality benches will be placed in the park in the spring. Work on a large plaque, that will depict the names of those who so generously contributed to our Centennial projects, is in progress.

In closing, I want to thank John Ferguson who took on the Presidency and worked hard for all of us in our time of need. Thanks John we owe you. To everyone who supported us in any way, my most sincere gratitude and appreciation. It seems we were on this project a long time. For example the Commander Base Borden gave us the formal approval in August 1995 to refurbish Waggoners Park and to have our celebration in Borden.

Finally I want to thank Col Jack Clarry for his wise, consistent counsel and support, financial advice and fiscal assurance and he still is treasurer of the celebration. Above all he was there every time I had a need. You were a pillar of strength sir and it was sincerely appreciated.

Kindest Personal Regards
Bob Baxter
Centennial Celebration Coordinator