When Red (Remember Everyone Deployed) Fridays was started by Karen Kelly and
Lisa Miller, two military wives with husbands deployed in Afghanistan, in 2006 it was a grass roots success that culminated in a 20,000 person, “support our troops rally” on parliament hill. They wanted to give Canadians the opportunity to show their gratitude to our past and present heroes, by wearing RED on Fridays. (RED= Remember
Everyone Deployed) It was a real grass roots movement that at its high point resulted in a demonstration of 20,000 Canadians on Parliament Hill in support of our troops in 2006.
The 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles Association is proud to now have these two talented ladies working side by side with us to reinvigorate and take Red Fridays across the country. The updated Red Friday includes First Responders (police, fire and ambulance), historically many first responders have served in the military (we had 62 firefighters in the 4th CMR during WW1), both the military and first responders are deployed (either at home or overseas). The 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles Association, a federally registered not for profit, and Mounted Rifles Management Limited, working together are committed to providing the framework for Red Friday 1918-2018 to be a huge success.
Our goal is honour and commemorate Canada’s 118,000 war dead while supporting the living.
Stand with us!
“Our veterans are the ones who have had, and continue to ‘have our backs’. They are
the ones who help keep peace in the world, and risk their lives when need be. Facts:
• First Responders and the Military have a common heritage that reaches back to WW1 when 62 firefighters served in the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles.
• First Responders are deployed when on patrol, answering a call or treating an accident victim in a similar manner as the Military is deployed at home and overseas.
• First Responders and the Military set the example of courage, selflessness and civic duty while their members suffer from many of the same health issues from physical and mental injuries, such as PTSD. The Plan: The 4 CMRA has developed a national 3-year program commemorating Red Friday through:
• 1918 – 2018 - The 100th Anniversary of the Ceasefire in WW1
• 1939 – 2019 The 80th Anniversary of the start of WW2
• 1945 – 2020 The 75th Anniversary of the end of WW2
• The 4 CMRA commemorates our fallen through:
The Use of our 2 Replica 1917 Douglas Motorcycles, with drivers in Uniform for parade and national events
Living history displays such as the Mayors Vimy Concert in Markham in April, the Vimy Event in June 2017 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 551 in Waterdown Ontario, The Cambridge Canada Day Parade, the Warriors Day Parade at the CNE, The September competition shoot at the Ajax Rod and Gun Club, The Canada 150 Event with the City of Markham, The Invictus Concert at Roy Thompson Hall in September and the forthcoming Remembrance Day Parade and Events in Markham with the City and the Markham District Veterans Association,
In addition we offer downloadable educational materials available to schools across Canada as part of a Vimy educational program promoted by the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command.
The 4th CMRA has developed fund raising capabilities that support military charities, Cadets, Veterans and civic organizations throughout Canada, and will make the 3- year program financially self sufficient. We will achieve financial self sufficiency through the licensing of our brands, sales of wearable merchandise and limited- edition prints.
The 4 CMRA is a federally registered not-for-profit.
Robert A. McTaggart, BA, Founder and Chairman of the Board of the 4th Canadian
Mounted Rifles Association (4CMRA)
A former cadet and then officer in the Governor Generals Horse Guards (GGHG), he founded the 4CMRA in honor of his Great Uncle, Fredrick McTaggart, a Canadian soldier in the 4CMR who fell at the battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9th, 1917. The McTaggart family has over 100 years of service in the GGHG, which perpetuates the
4CMR. He stated: "A few years ago, I was in France, at Vimy Ridge, where my Great Uncle Frederick McTaggart fought for Canada and was killed. Visiting his grave, I realized I must do something to further honor his bravery and those soldiers with whom he fought to help shape Canada into the envy of so many around the world."
ABOUT RED FRIDAYS – Red Fridays was founded by Karen Kelly and Lisa Miller – The Red Friday Ladies Lisa Miller and Karen Boire. Dubbed “the Red Friday Ladies”, Lisa and Karen spearheaded a movement in support of Canada’s dedicated men and women in uniform by encouraging Canadians to wear red on Fridays – a simple expression of respect and appreciation.
What began as a posting on the Internet, evolved into a show of support for members of the Canadian Forces and their families. After crafting an e-mail and sharing it with friends and media, Lisa and Karen’s initiative took off.
Their first Red Friday Rally in 2006 drew thousands of proud supporters clad in red to Parliament Hill. The pair has since hosted, attended and inspired countless events throughout the country and continue to spread the word about the importance of Red Fridays.
Over the years, the two women have been well-recognized for their work. Most notably, they have received a Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service in 2007 and have been named Chamber Citizen of the Year 2008 by the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce.
lisa.troopsupport@gmail.com karen.troopsupport@gmail.com
ABOUT 4CMRA – The Fourth Canadian Mounted Rifles Association is named after
one of the most famous and highly decorated units in WW1, the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles, perpetuates their memory. It is the Mission of the 4CMRA to commemorate the deeds of the Canadian, and American, citizen armies from WW1. The 4CMRA provides a present-day voice by honoring those citizen armies through living history, education, memorials, community participation, and promoting understanding of Canadian, and American, military history.
It is through what they did a hundred years ago from where we draw our inspiration, strength, and commitment to honor both them and those Canadians who stand for these values today.
For media inquiries, interviews, or other information: Contact:
RA (Bob) McTaggart
Chairman/Founder/Veteran
4th Canadian Mounted Rifles Association
