(Note: While Ambassador Jacobson is taking part in the Nijmegen March, he’ll be Tweeting about his experiences. Follow the Embassy on Twitter to see what he’s doing, and watch this post for all his latest Tweets!)
Posts Tagged ‘Canadian Forces’
July 2012: Ambassador Jacobson @ Nijmegen on Twitter
Thursday, July 19th, 2012July 17, 2012: Nijmegen March, Day One
Tuesday, July 17th, 2012Today was the first day of the march, but I want to tell you about the night before. Headed for bed, I passed a woman from the Canadian forces. She was standing outside in the rain and mud polishing her boots. That is pride and it took my breath away.
Sleeping through the excitement was hard. I couldn’t wait for the 4 am wake up. In fact, I didn’t. Woke up at 2:30. Music on loudspeakers didn’t help.
With a 5:10 am salute from bagpipes, we were off! The weather was not bad. I never thought I’d be so happy to see light drizzle, and I was hoping for it to stay that way. Padre said a prayer for no rain. In my book, he deserves a battlefield promotion.
In every town the people were out. There were bands playing and lots of high-fives all around. It’s hard to describe the energy and excitement in words. There were hundreds of thousands of people — maybe more — all along the route. It’s a huge party. One town near the halfway mark had 30,000 people out, I was told.
We took our first break after 30 K. Every kid in Nijmegen is giving away candy, licorice, and cucumbers. I brought embassy pins and I’m handing them out to the kids.
As we got closer to the end, I was walking with a team of U.S. soldiers. They asked who I was, and I told them I was the U.S. Ambassador to Canada. They said “yeah, sure!”; my teammates had to vouch for me! The line that summed up the day came 500 meters from the finish. I asked a U.S. soldier next to me how he was doing. “Nothing a beer won’t cure.” Sounds just right.
And so, I’ve finished Day One. Forty-six kilometers in nine hours and two minutes. Hey, it was so much fun, I think I’ll do it 3 more times!
DJ
July 14, 2012: Vimy Ridge, France
Monday, July 16th, 2012We landed last night in Lille, France with fireworks going off in the sky all around us. I thought it was for us, until someone reminded me it was Bastille Day. It was still a nice welcome.
Today we took the thirty minute drive to Vimy Ridge.
There are two parts to a trip to Vimy. The remnants of a war that took place 95 years ago, and the memorial. The former is an unmistakable horror. The latter is a testament to beauty, hope and peace.
Even a civilian like me can understand the strategic importance of Vimy Ridge. It extends for kilometers and overlooks the valleys on both sides. It crests at the famous Hill 145 — the key strategic point and the site of the monument.
The first thing that shocks you is the landscape. There a craters everywhere, mostly from artillery shells that rained down on the site for a week before the battle. Some are from exploding mines. Some very deep ones are tunnels that collapsed. They are not spaced out. They are everywhere.
Then you see the tunnels. They stretch for kilometers. They begin behind the lines and extend to the front. Today they have concrete steps to get in and out. In 1917 there were mud hills. Today the floors are concrete. Then they were swamps filled with mud, rats, darkness. Worse, as our guide explained to us, the tunnels were the fancy part of Vimy. At the end of the tunnels were the trenches. Open to the elements and filled with water. Today it rained most of the day. It was cold. I simply can’t imagine what it must have been like in 1917 to live there for months during the winter with bombs and bullets everywhere.
The front trenches of the Canadians and the Germans were about 25 meters apart. They could talk to each other. The killing and maiming was catastrophic. In the small region around Vimy (described to me as roughly the size of Ottawa) 600,000 people — military and civilian from all countries — were killed. The devastation is almost incomprehensible.
After a tour of the battlefield we went to the monument. It is gleaming white marble. It is peaceful. Hopeful. I had seen the plaster models of the statues at the Canadian War Museum. And I had read Jane Urquhart’s great book, The Stone Carvers, about the construction of the monument and the carving of the statues and the names of the soldiers who were never found. But I did not understand the size or the power of the monument.
We had a ceremony where several of us laid wreaths. I was honored to have a chance to say a few words:
We are gathered here today in the shadow of this great memorial. A place dedicated to the 11,285 Canadians killed in France during the First World War whose final resting place is unknown. So this is their resting place.
I have read about the Battle of Vimy Ridge. I have admired the courage of those who fought here for the values Canada and the United States shared in 1917. And still share today. I’ve been told of how the national identity of Canada was forged on this very spot — as the four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force came together on April 9, 1917. I have seen photos showing the power and the beauty of Walter Allward’s design. Its yearning for peace.
But until you stand here. Until you see this memorial. Until you experience the enormity of this place. You cannot understand what Vimy Ridge means to the Canadian people.
I am very excited at the prospect of the Nijmegen March. I am very excited to march shoulder-to-shoulder with my friends in the Canadian Forces. But whatever comes hereafter, this visit to Vimy has made my journey to this continent one I will never forget.
July 12, 2012: Trenton
Monday, July 16th, 2012The day has finally arrived. Finished packing this morning. Learned just how many pairs of boots and how much tape will fit in one suitcase. Then we took the three hour drive to Trenton to meet up with my team. Going to try to get a good night’s sleep before we fly to Europe.
July 11, 2012: Nijmegen March Send-Off Ceremony
Thursday, July 12th, 2012Today I went to the send off ceremony at the War Museum for the Ottawa contingent that is going to Nijmegen. I had on a suit. The rest of the marchers were there in their uniforms and combat boots. The weird thing was that I found myself staring at the well worn boots and being able to identify the manufacturers: Swat, Magnum, Rocky, Bates, etc., etc. Never thought I’d have that skill. The ceremony made it all feel very real. I guess I’m really going to go.
DJ
U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson, Dutch Ambassador Wim Geerts, and members of the Canadian Forces at the Nijmegen March Send Off Ceremony at the Canadian War Museum
Nijmegen March Send Off Ceremony at the Canadian War Museum
Nijmegen March Send Off Ceremony at the Canadian War Museum
July 10, 2012: Training for Nijmegen
Wednesday, July 11th, 2012Having foolishly agreed to go on the Nijmegen March I decided I had better train for it. Now, 773 kilometers later I am pronouncing myself ready. I hope.
I started last March as the snows melted going three kilometers. Then five. Then ten. During the first several walks it was dark out. So I went to Canadian Tire and bought one of those reflective vests people wear at construction sites and airports. I wore it over my parka. It was quite a site. Very diplomatic. My wife had much to say about “my new look.”
My greatest friend in this process has been books on tape. It can get kind of boring walking for hours. For a while music was fine. But as the walks got longer music just wasn’t enough. Books on tape were more distracting. So I got a lot of them. Long ones. Books I wouldn’t ordinarily read. I listened to War and Peace. Then Crime and Punishment. I listened to business books. Then I started on biographies (I highly recommend Walter Isaacson’s book on Steve Jobs and Robert Caro’s most recent volume on Lyndon Johnson). I listened to so many books I wore out my iPod. Had to get a new one.
When I wasn’t by myself listening to books on tape I was with my 11 person Nijmegen military team. They are all great. Except for one thing. They seem to enjoy starting the hikes at 4 am. After an hour or so and a couple of stops at Tim Horton’s (they always map out the Tim Horton locations on the route) I was able to overlook the early hour and begin talking. It did give me the chance, however, to see a few spectacular sunrises.
Pretty soon I could go for four or five hours (20-25 K) without too much trouble. Then – in accordance with the military rules – we did back-to-back 30 K walks. And finally back-to-back 40 K’s. After that I was pretty sure I could make it. That is until I went on a trip with Prime Minister Harper to North Bay. During the trip I managed to fall down a flight of steps. As I was lying up-side-down on the cement the first thing that went through my mind was NOT: “Gee the United States Ambassador really looks foolish.” It was “Oh, no! All that training for nothing.” While I was kind of banged up, I wasn’t deterred and after a couple of days, I was back up on my feet. Literally.
My team includes a couple of real Nijmegen veterans. For one, this will be his tenth; for another, his eighth. They have some great tips for the rest of us novices. The only problem is they usually don’t agree on advice. One says walk every day, the other says walk three times a week over very long distances and then recover. One says eat frequently, the other says don’t. One says wear two pairs of socks, the other says wear one. The two things they do agree on, however, are that Nijmegen is a great experience. And do what works for you. Then don’t change it!
Speaking of socks … I have tried them all. Someone sent me to Mountain Equipment Co-op because they have a good selection. I got there and – sure enough – there was a whole wall of socks. I bought one of each pair and mixed and matched them until I found the ones I liked and then stocked up.
Then there were the combat boots. Combat boots have a bad rap. I thought they’d be heavy and uncomfortable. The modern ones are light and very comfortable — when you get the right ones, that is. That took a while of trial and error and a closet full of discarded models. As an Ambassador, I’m supposed to promote business; chalk this up to doing my part for the footwear industry. Once you have the boots and the socks you have to start experimenting with insoles, tape, powder, creams, etc, etc, etc.
Having tried just about everything on my feet, I thought I had it figured out. That left just one thing. What to wear on the rest of me. The others on my team – being in the Canadian Forces – would wear their uniforms. At first we thought I should wear a U.S. uniform. Then we decided that since I wasn’t in the military I should wear civilian clothes. But which ones. If it had been up to me I would have worn those red shorts I wear on the golf course. The ones that embarrass my family. But it turned out they also embarrassed the Canadian Forces. So I settled on some olive drab colored hiking pants and grey long sleeved shirts. Sort of look like a rag tag soldier. But I do have a beautiful camouflage Tilly hat and a camouflage pack. Can’t say as I look like I’m exactly ready to go to war. But at least I’m comfortable.
Last night I started to make up my packing list. Tonight I have to cut it in half so I have some chance of fitting it into the one suitcase I’m allowed.
Tomorrow we go to the Send-Off Parade at the War Museum. Can’t wait.
DJ
April 5 2011 – Ottawa
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011I fear I am going overboard on hockey.
Ambassador Jacobson enjoys the hockey game
The other afternoon I went to a thriller between the Canadian Generals (I mean the real Generals – and Admirals – from the Canadian Forces) and the Military Attaches from several of the Embassies here in Ottawa including our own. The Generals won 6-5 on a late goal.
Canadian Generals vs. Foreign Attaches Hockey Game. Photo By Master Corporal Roy MacLellan
The level of play was surprising. I’ll leave it at that. But the intensity was what you would expect of a bunch of high achieving members of the armed forces.
And I’m happy to report – no injuries. No fights.
DJ
October 31, 2010 – Ottawa
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010Last 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. 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.
April 25, 2010 – Canadian Army Ball
Monday, April 26th, 2010Last night Julie and I had the honor of attending the Canadian Army Ball. It was a fancy black tie affair. We arrived to a troop of horse guards and officers in Scottish kilts. As we walked in, I realized I was one of the few people there in a tuxedo; almost everyone else was in their magnificent full-dress uniforms. And since it was the Army Ball, most of the uniforms were a blazing scarlet. I felt kind of shabby. No uniform, no medals. Julie, however, made up for my lack of style.
A Grand Arrival
The whole night was great fun. Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, the Chief of Land Staff, gave a great talk. There was singing, dancing, bag piping, and a take on Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance.
A musical performance of drums, bagpipes and fiddle
But the two highlights of the night were when Gen. Leslie read off the citations of the guests of honor, two members of the army who had served with great honor, bravery, and distinction in Afghanistan, and when they played a short film celebrating the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Holland by Canadian Forces. The Dutch Ambassador and his wife were sitting at our table. At the conclusion of the film, they stood to honor the Canadian Forces. Everyone in the room joined them. A special bond obviously still exists between Canada and the Netherlands.
A great night.
DJ.
March 16, 2010 – NORAD
Friday, March 19th, 2010Last night I arrived in Colorado Springs and met Ambassador Doer for a joint tour of NORAD which stands for North American Aerospace Defense Command. We started with a briefing from General Gene Renuart of the US Air Force, the Commander of NORAD and NORTHCOM and Lt. General Marcel Duval of the Canadian Forces and the Deputy Commander of NORAD.
Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer, General Gene Renuart of the US Air Force, and Ambassador Jacobson in front of NORAD
For those of you who aren’t up to speed on NORAD, it is unique in the world. For the last 52 years, the United States and Canada have operated a joint command to defend the airspace of North America. There are four facilities, the headquarters in Colorado Springs, the Canadian Forces base in Winnipeg (which I visited in November), Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, and Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.
After our meeting with General Renuart, we had a series of briefings by the Canadian and US military and civilian advisors. I then got a tour of Cheyenne Mountain, the place in a hollowed out granite mountain which would serve as the control center in the event of a catastrophic attack on North America. (Ambassador Doer had gotten his tour the prior afternoon.) While it is a little chilling, it is interesting how US and Canadian forces work side-by-side in a truly joint operation. Throughout the facilities there were Canadian and American flags, pictures of the President and the Prime Minister, soldiers from both countries. It is an example of how integrated our militaries are in the very most sensitive of missions.
As Ambassador Doer said, it’s one to cross off our bucket list.
DJ
At the entrance of Cheyenne Mountain
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