Remembrance Day 2025
November 11th is an important day for us in Canada. It offers a time to reflect on the brave people who have fought tirelessly to ensure our safety. Whether it be those who served during World War I and II, the peacekeepers who protect civilians in war zones, or the thousands of military personnel serving our country today, we thank you for your service and selflessly fighting for our freedom and safety.
At Marine Atlantic, we’re proud to have two vessels named after regiments from the respective provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia as a symbolic gesture to honour the courageous efforts of our soldiers.
The Blue Puttees
Our vessel, the Blue Puttees, is proudly named after the regiment that represented Newfoundland in World War I. The Blue Puttees were the first 537 men who volunteered for the 1st Newfoundland Regiment. The Regiment was nicknamed the “Blue Puttees” because of the blue, non-standard leg wraps the group wore.
On July 1, 1916, many members of the Blue Puttees faced the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle at Beaumont-Hamel. Of the estimated 800 Newfoundlanders who went into battle that morning, only 68 answered roll call the next day.
To recognize their service and sacrifice, the Newfoundland regiment was the only regiment in the British Empire to have been granted the prefix “Royal” by King George V before the end of the Great War. On board the Blue Puttees, you’ll find a plaque honouring the brave men of the Blue Puttees along with photos and other artifacts about the group.
Today, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment is a reserve infantry unit of the Canadian Forces, serving as both a domestic and international force, providing peacekeeping, peace support operations, and domestic disaster relief.
The Highlanders
Like the Blue Puttees, it’s sister ship – the Highlanders, is also named after a group who have bravely fought for freedom, namely the Highlander infantry regiments throughout Nova Scotia (now known as the Nova Scotia Highlanders and the Cape Breton Highlanders).
With roots going back to 1871, the Highlanders have been active in many major battles and peacekeeping missions. One piece of their very notable history was their involvement in D-Day. On June 6, 1944, the North Nova Scotia Highlanders landed on Juno Beach and fought alongside the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade. This day, now known widely as D-Day, marked a major path to victory for the Allies. They continued their efforts in North-West Europe until the end of the war.
Like the Blue Puttees, you will find a plaque, photos and artifacts about the Highlander infantry regiment while onboard its namesake vessel.
The Highlanders infantry regiments are now two separate reserve regiments: the Nova Scotian Highlanders and the Cape Breton Highlanders. To this day, both units serve within the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force.
Lest We Forget.
