Wednesday November 10, 2010

Feature Story

Chilliwack Flag Pride

Canadian troop tradition honours city by raising flag in Afghanistan

Craig Hill/Voice photos           

                                                                                                                                                 Voice photos

MC Mark Gillatly presents the city flag that was flown in Afghanistan at the Kandahar Airfield to Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz Tuesday.

aster Coproral Mark Gillatly presented the City's flag to Mayor Sharon Gaetz after it been flown for a day at the Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan and signed by Task Force 3-09 troops. Gillatly, who did a tour-of-duty in the war-torn country from September 2009 to April 2010, said the flag is symbolic of the pride that he has for Chilliwack after having been posted at the old CFB for 7-years.

"The troops over there wanted something from home they could connect with," he said.

Initially, Gillatly asked his father, William, to contact the City regarding acquiring an official flag and Mayor Sharon Gaetz said she thought it was a wonderful idea.

"I'm glad your dad came and asked us about the flag," she said. "It was great to be able to mail it off." Gaetz presented Gillatly and his father a personal gift from the City for their efforts.

Since it's inception, the idea of flying hometown flags at the National Support Element Transport Compound in the war-torn country has been a big hit with troops.

According to a 2009 report from Kelowna.com, Gillatly's brother Dan, who retired after 22-years in the service, previously presented a flag to the Mayor of Kelowna while his brother Mark was still serving in Afghanistan.

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