There will be a rally on Friday Oct 2 at Dundonald Park in support of the families of Cdn troops. Here is a press release:

FestivAsia Celebrates Red Fridays

OTTAWA –FestivAsia, in partnership with the Canadian Forces, will formally kick off this year’s festival on Friday, October 2nd, with a Red Rally at Dundonald Park (Somerset Street W. between Lyon & Bay Street). This is an opportunity for the Asian community and the Canadian Forces to show their appreciation and support for each other. Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, Commander Maritime Command and the Canadian Forces Champion for Visible Minorities, will be present at the Red Rally from noon to 1 p.m. Other Canadian Forces members will also take part.

FestivAsia is a diverse cultural celebration organized by the Ottawa Chinatown Business Improvement Area and its partnering organizations. It is an event contributing to the local and regional economies through increased tourism and its vibrant merchants activities. It also acts as a platform for residents to showcase, to share and to enjoy the creativity, the energy and the hope of the residents of Chinatown.

“It’s a great opportunity for everyone, military and civilian alike, to partake in the unique cultural festivities of FestivAsia, to celebrate our cultural diversity, and show pride in our Canadian Forces. The Red Rally is a symbolic event to demonstrate to fellow Canadians and our troops that we care and honour those who fought for our freedom, our peace, and our resolve,” said Vice-Admiral McFadden.

The first Red Rally was held on Parliament Hill on September 22nd, 2006 where approximately 20, 000 people showed up to show their support for the men and women of the Canadian Forces.

Since then, there have been many Red Rallies held across the country.

Red Rallies are part of the Red Friday campaign, which has evolved over the years from showing support for deployed military and their families to showing support for all the men and women of the Canadian Forces and.their families. Red has even become the official colour of supporting our troops and their families whether it is a Friday or one of the other 6 days of the week!

All are welcome to join us at the Red Rally to honour Canadian Forces members (past and present) and their families.