As Canadian soldiers arrived on European soil during the Second World War, an interesting immigration pattern followed.
More than 48,000 European women and their children came into Canada. The majority of the war brides were English as Canadian forces were sent to England first and many remained there throughout the war.
Despite various backgrounds, the war brides had a lot in common. They each met and married a Canadian soldier during the war, made the decision to leave their homeland to travel across the ocean to arrive on Canadian soil, cross Canada by train to settle into their new homes where they had to learn a new culture and religion and, for some, a new language.
To honour these women, the Canadian War Brides and Families organization is hosting a 70th anniversary celebration in Halifax in May where the majority of war brides arrived at Pier 21 between 1940 and 1946.
War brides and their families are invited to attend the reunion taking place May 20 to 22.
Guests will stay at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel and registration and a tea will be held at the hospitality suite in the Seaport Room. Dinner Friday starts with happy hour at 5 p.m. in the Atlantic Mezzanine with dinner in the Atlantic Ballroom followed by a singalong after dessert.
On Saturday, May 21 the Canadian War Brides and Families AGM takes place from 10 to
11 a.m. at the Lunenberg Room.
Then there is an afternoon tea at Pier 21 with transportation provided to and from the hotel. Saturday's Gala Banquet starts with happy hour at 5 p.m. followed by dinner in the Atlantic Ballroom. To entertain the war brides the Royal Canadian Navy Stadacona Band will perform.
Sunday brings the reunion weekend to a close with church service in the Lunenberg Room at 9 a.m. followed with a breakfast buffet in the Atlantic Ballroom. To end the event everyone will gather in a circle, join hands and sing We'll Meet Again.
To find reduced rates for the event, register early. The first 60 War Brides will pay $75 registration fee for the entire weekend's meals and events. The first 100 members of the Canadian War Brides & Families Association will pay $125 registration fee for the entire weekend's meals and events. Deadline to get these rates is March 15, 2016.
To make hotel reservations at Westin hotel call 1-888-627-8553 and ask for the Canadian War Brides & Families Reunion rate of $179 plus taxes per night for single/double occupancy.
The hotel will offer the same room rate for up to three nights prior and three nights post reunion weekend.
