Hundreds of current and former Canadian Military Engineers, family members, supporters, and members of the public gathered in Chilliwack from July 17–19 for Op GRANITE II, a weekend dedicated to honouring the history, service, and enduring legacy of the Canadian Military Engineers.
The organizing committee extends its sincere appreciation to the many organizations whose generous support helped make the event possible. Contributions will fund the planning, delivery, and lasting legacy of Op GRANITE II, including commemorative publications, heritage displays, promotional materials, veteran and family engagement initiatives, and the preservation of Canadian Military Engineer history.
Major supporters included the Canadian Military Engineers Association and the Royal Canadian Legion. Additional support was provided by the Military Engineers Institute of Canada, the City of Chilliwack, the National Wall of Remembrance Association, TD Insurance, Defence Construction Canada, and the Combat Divers Association of Canada.
A Weekend of Reconnection and Remembrance
The reunion began Friday evening with a Meet & Greet that attracted an estimated 400 attendees. The evening was marked by emotional reunions between old friends and comrades, with countless hugs, laughter, and shared memories. The event also featured presentations to the winners of the Engineer Golf Tournament, which drew 45 participants earlier that day, as well as fundraising efforts in support of the Chilliwack Military Museum.
On Saturday, members of the public joined veterans and serving personnel for the Rededication & Remembrance Ceremony at All Sappers Memorial Park. The ceremony was attended by local Members of the Legislative Assembly, representatives of the RCMP, the City of Chilliwack, veterans' organizations, and serving military personnel.
A ceremonial guard composed of Royal Canadian Engineer and Royal Canadian Air Cadets welcomed dignitaries and guests. Military vehicles and a historic 17-pounder field gun were on display. Chief Military Engineer Major-General Nick Pilon delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Canadian Military Engineers' proud history for future generations.
Wreaths were laid by the Colonel Commandant, the Royal Canadian Legion, the RCMP, Indigenous Sappers, the Combat Divers Association of Canada, and several other organizations in honour of those who served and sacrificed.
Memorial Dinner Highlights CME Heritage
More than 350 guests attended the Memorial Dinner on Saturday evening, where roast beef and chicken were served and seconds were offered. No one left hungry. The evening also raised funds for a local Dragon Boat team supporting breast cancer survivors, whose participation added a meaningful community element to the event.
Historic displays from the Chilliwack Military Museum, the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering Museum, and other organizations transformed the exhibition hall into a showcase of Canadian Military Engineer history.
Following traditional toasts, Colonel Commandant Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk (Ret'd) addressed attendees, reinforcing the importance of preserving and promoting the history & heritage of the Canadian Military Engineers, especially as preparations continue toward CME125 in 2028. Winners of the silent auction were also announced before the formal close of the evening.
One light-hearted moment reflected the spirit of the reunion when senior military leaders left the head table early to mingle with attendees, briefly interrupting the formal program before order was restored and festivities continued.
Combat Diver Memorial Dedicated
The weekend concluded Sunday morning with the Combat Divers Association of Canada dedicating a memorial at Cultus Lake to military divers who lost their lives in the line of duty. For more information about the Combat Diver Memorial dedication, visit: https://cmea-agmc.ca/en/dedication-combat-diver-memorial-cultus-lake
Looking Ahead
Operation GRANITE II successfully brought together generations of Canadian Military Engineers while strengthening connections between veterans, serving members, families, and the broader community. As momentum builds toward the Corps' 125th Anniversary in 2028, the reunion reinforced the commitment to preserving the proud history and traditions of Canada's Military Engineers for generations to come.