Last night I went to Canadian Forces Appreciation Night at the Ottawa Senators game. There were 3500 members of the military and their families. The tickets came from the team, the sponsors, and from season ticket holders who donated them so the troops could have a fun night out.
![Minister McKay, Ambassador Jacobson, and General Natynczyk at the Canadian Forces Appreciation Night](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130220115225im_/http://blogs.ottawa.usembassy.gov/ambassador/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/10-31-10-Hockey-Game-Amb-Natynczyk-McKay-300x225.jpg)
Minister McKay, Ambassador Jacobson, and General Natynczyk at the Canadian Forces Appreciation Night. Ottawa, October 2010.
Before the game, there was a dinner at which Minister Peter MacKay and General Walt Natynczyk spoke movingly about the role the Canadian Forces play in the hearts of Canadians. Among the people at the dinner was a soldier who had been wounded in Afghanistan. General Natynczyk explained that he had gotten out of his wheel chair and was on crutches so he could attend the dinner and the game. The standing ovation he received was quite moving.
Another highlight was the special camouflage jerseys the Senators wore during the warm-ups to the game. Unfortunately they seemed to disappear AFTER they put on their regulars sweaters. They lost 4-0 to the Bruins.