On December 10th, 2024, cadets of the 72nd Seaforth Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps had their annual Ortona Dinner, a commemorative event to remember the Christmas Dinner served to members of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada during the Battle of Ortona.
The story goes like this: It was Christmas Day in Ortona, Italy and the Allies were still at war with Nazi Germany. In the basement of the bombed-out Santa Maria di Constantinopoli Church, members of the Seaforth Highlanders came together for a Christmas dinner just streets away from fighting. The Seaforth’s Quartermaster had scrounged all the things to make this dinner a reality, from the tablecloths to the wine and roast pork. This brief respite from the battle gave the men a semblance of normality before they had to return to the fight. For many, it would be their last meal. Three days later, the Battle of Ortona ended.
81 years later, the cadets recreated the original dinner. Under the direction of PMC Sgt. Cameron Justason, Cdt. Jedidiah Altmann read a short piece on the Battle of Ortona and the history of the dinner served in 1943. Cdt. Jonathan Lui gave the Toast to The King, Sgt. Laith Senbel gave the Toast to The Regiment, and Cpl. Bon Abellera gave the Toast to The Fallen.
72nd’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Karen Leong was joined at the head table by honoured guests LCol. Kent Wickens, Commanding Officer of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, Mr. Graeme Menzies from the BC Army Cadet League, and Maj. Derrick Gee, Officer Commanding for the Lower Mainland.
To top the night off, the cadets who were part of the Cenotaph Guard for Remembrance Day were presented with certificates of thanks by Inder Malawarair (ANAVETS) and S/SG Ray Gardner (VPD Departmental Sergeant Major).
72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada 