HISTORY

The Montreal Chapter of CAVUNP was founded on the 9th of August 2007 by MWO Karl O. Morel CD (retired) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is named after the Urban Community of Montreal in honour of all citizens of its military and police who have served overseas in the cause of peace and freedom. Our mission and objects are those of CAVUNP. The Montreal Chapter is an affiliate chapter of the CPVA.

CONTACT US

Post: 6-4478, Laval Avenue, Montreal QC, H2W 2J8
Telephone: 514-847-0025
Email: archivaire@sympatico.ca
Website: www.cavunp.org

EXECUTIVE

MEMBERSHIP

Our veterans-only chapter consists of regular, associate and honorary members. We accept all veterans, peacekeepers or otherwise.
Regular membership is open to serving or retired peacekeeping veterans who have the right to vote and hold any office.
Associate membership is open to all other serving or retired veterans who do not vote but may hold some offices ex-officio.
Honorary: Our chapter has no patron or honorary members at present.

MEETINGS

Our members meet once a year at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Branch 173 Montreal East, for the annual general meeting according to our Chapter By-Laws. We welcome CPVA members as equals at all meetings and activities.

PARTNERSHIPS

The Montreal Chapter of CAVUNP works in partnership with the Régiment de Maisonneuve, the UNAC Montreal and Branch 173 of the Royal Canadian Legion. We also collaborate with Veterans Affairs Canada; Quebec Regional Office of the Canada Remembers Program.

CAUSES

We support UNICEF, ICROSS, as well as the Poppy and Izzy Doll campaigns.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

On August 9th, 2009, the City of Montreal East, a suburb of Montreal, dedicated a flagpole to the chapter upon which the United Nations Flag flies all year round. The City Council also voted unanimously on a resolution to observe our National Peacekeeper’s Day in perpetuity. In 2009 we undertook to restore the cenotaph in the suburb of Montreal East in honour of the 100th anniversary of the city and for the visit of Senator, retired Major-General Roméo Dallaire, former resident of Montreal East, to be held on the 4th of June 2010.

SOCIAL ACTIVITES

Our members organize several activities during the year. These may be simple gatherings in residence, at a restaurant, or involve organized tours, participation in community events, fund-raising projects, or may also involve attending the functions of other veteran’s organizations or military messes.
New Year’s Levee
Our members are encouraged to participate and represent CAVUNP at as many levees in the Montreal area as possible on the 1st of January.
Peacekeepers for UNICEF
In early June, a fund-raising walk and picnic is held on Mont-Royal by our members and their families along with the university students of the United Nations Association of Canada (UNAC) for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). All must dress in blue and white, the colours of the United Nations Organization.
Annual Dinner
Once a year in March or April, the chapter holds a “Diner en caserne” (Dining-in) for its members and partners. It is a joyful and traditional affair with just a bit of ceremony.

OFFICIAL ACTIVITES

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
À poppy planting is made at the foot of the city cenotaph in early April by the youth of the City of Montreal East. They then attend a commemorative lecture on the 29th of May at City Hall and partipate in a short flag-raising ceremony in honour of UN Peacekeepers.
Canada Day
Members represent the chapter along with the local RCL, KVA and the ANAVETS at the annual Canada Day ceremony at the Montreal East City Hall on July 1st.
National Peacekeepers’ Day
The most important event for the chapter takes place on August 9th at the Montreal East City Hall and grounds. A commemoration is held at the cenotaph followed by the United Nations flag-raising ceremony in honour of all Canadian peacekeepers.
Remembrance Day
The chapter lays a wreath for CAVUNP at the Montreal City Cenotaph, marches in the Remembrance parade and attends a reception at the Régiment de Maisonneuve Armoury on the 11th of November.

SYMBOLS

Motto
Our motto is “Proud to serve, proud to have served” which means we serve in the service of peace for our country and in support of the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Flags
The chapter flies the National Flag of Canada, the United Nations Flag and the NATO Flag. Our Chapter Flag has the CAVUNP insignia centered on a horizontal tricolour of dark blue, white and light blue stripes.
March
The Chapter March is “Mon Ami” as played and composed by the regimental band of the Royal 22e Régiment.
Uniform
Our members wear a distinctive light blue blazer and follow the CAVUNP Dress Code.
Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM)
The CPSM is the distinguishing mark of a Canadian peacekeeper. All our regular members are recognized by it.