Borden’s community came out for an evening filled with festivities to celebrate the holidays
On 1 December 2023 at 1800 hrs, CFB Borden residents were treated to an evening of horse carriage rides, refreshments and a light show at this year’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony near the Trinity Chapel, hosted by the Base Borden Community Council (BBCC).
Soft white snow danced across the early evening winter sky as Borden Mayor, Warrant Officer Johnathan Nebel and Deputy Mayor, Dave Levesque welcomed members and their families to the ceremony, commemorating the sense of community that has been established on base.
“We had a tremendous incident that occurred on this base a few months ago, in which I got to see firsthand what this community consists of,” said Mayor Nebel. “There was integrity, there was strength, there was the ability for people to come together when somebody was in need and show how tight the bond is within our organization and within our military family.”
Thanks to the help of PSP and RP Ops, the tree lighting ceremony was made possible with additional support from the Borden Family Resource Centre which provided hot chocolate, SISIP which donated gift cards for attendees and the Borden Military Wives Choir who sang carols throughout the night.
Base Commander Colonel Jonathan Michaud followed the mayor’s remarks with a land acknowledgment and holiday message on behalf of the Command Team.
“Every day I see that hard work and the desire to change and make our organization the best that it can be,” Col Michaud said. “So please take the time to celebrate. Be proud of what has been accomplished and maybe have an extra sugar cookie or two.”
“Not everyone is able to celebrate the holidays and it’s important that everyone knows that they’re not alone. We’re all, at the end of the day, part of this community and it’s important that we’re able to support one another through difficult times.”
Moments before the tree lighting occurred, Padre Captain Graham Ware provided a moment of spiritual reflection to remind everyone in attendance why Borden gets together at this time of year.
“We light a tree in Borden every year to draw our minds to good things,” Capt Ware said. “To good memories, to hope and to celebration. This is a visible sign of the season we are in; a marker for the community to see and to connect.”
Base Commander Col Michaud called for some assistance in lighting the tree this year with dozens of members and their children excitedly making their way to the base of the tree.
After waving and wishing everyone watching the live stream from home a Merry Christmas, Borden’s community Christmas tree was lit and simultaneously kicked off the holiday season for the base.
With spirits high, the evening concluded with everyone in attendance being able to grab a cup of hot chocolate and take a ride on the winter horse carriage.
To watch CFB Borden’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, click here.
By: Caleb Hooper
