ABSTRACT
Militia members at every level were unanimous in their view that a band was of inestimable value in providing units a means for public relations and in giving symbolic meaning to ceremonial and social occasions. In which the mayor of a provincial capital expressed deep disappointment at the refusal of the Militia district to put on a "tattoo," or a display, as part of the city's summer program. The elimination of the bands from most Militia units in the 1960s further exemplified the low priority given to ceremonies in the Canadian military, and there was plenty of evidence throughout the research that it was low. Beyond doubt, the Militia way of life is too demanding to be maintained only "for the dollars," though the colonels and were paid at attractive rates, with privileges to match, for example, considerable deference, staff cars, and VIP treatment at Canadian Forces Bases.
