Brooks: Grand Highland Military Ball makes a triumphant return

The 72nd Grand Highland Military Ball, held May 7 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Palliser, was an evening of celebration and gratitude. It marks the important connection between our military community in Calgary and the gratitude to all citizen-soldiers who serve with honor and pride. The event raised $200,000 – the most in its 72-year history.

Since 1910, The Regiment of The Calgary Highlanders has served in Calgary, sending soldiers overseas in both World Wars, on numerous UN and NATO peacekeeping missions since the end of the Second World War, and deployed more than 125 soldiers during the war in Afghanistan. The regiment was also heavily involved in Operation Lentus, assisting Calgary during the 2013 flood. Additionally, the Calgary Highlanders are preparing for another upcoming deployment to Latvia as well as Kuwait in addition to current deployments in Iraq and Ukraine. The Calgary Highlanders have contributed soldiers to Alberta’s military responses to the pandemic and to wildfire-fighting efforts in British Columbia as well.

The theme for this year’s ball was Our Proud History. Highlights were plentiful, including Scottish country dancing; Presentation of Haggis; performances by the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Pipes and Drums; the Great March and Glenwhorple; and choral performances by the Calgary Girls Choir Brava Ensemble.

Among the hundreds of guests were: the former Lieutenant Governor. Lois Mitchell and her husband Doug Mitchell; special guests Cap. (Retired) George Morasch and Colonel Mike Vernon, Commander of 41 Canadian Brigade Group, with his wife Sherri White Vernon; Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver and his wife Christine; Hon. Lt. Col. Brian Parker, President and CEO of Acumen Capital Partners with his wife Sharon Parker; Hon. Colonel and Co-Chair of ARC Financial Lauchlan Currie; Major Kent Griffiths who gave a stellar presentation of the Haggis; Lieutenant Colonel and Commander Andrew Beauchamp; philanthropist Murray McCann and his wife Carol McCann; patrons Sean and Shenda Libin; Calgary Stampede Vice President Steve McDonough; MNP’s Jason Tuffs and his wife Christine with colleagues Gordon Chan and his wife June Chan; STEP Energy Services CEO Regan Davis; Leonard Cornez, CFO of Sanjel Energy Services; Trevor Haynes of the Black Diamond Group and his wife Tory Haynes with their colleagues Mark Armstrong and his wife Cristal Armstrong; my guide Michelle Nikkel; and others in the photo.

Pictured, L-R, at the 72nd Grand Highland Army Ball, Major Kent Griffiths, Cpl (Retired) George Morasch, Highland Board Member, Christine McIver, with her husband Ric McIver, Minister Alberta Municipal Affairs. .jpg