It was not only about celebrating pride in Canada, but about celebrating pride in our soldiers.

The Thorold bar held a Support our Troops Canada Day party on Tuesday, a fundraiser benefiting soldiers from the Niagara region.

"All the money raised will go to care packages for soldiers," said Amy Brown, who organized the event.

There were 15 soldiers from the Niagara region at the celebration.

Money raised from the Canada Day bash will help provide them with extra amenities when they leave for Afghanistan in September.

Soldiers are not provided money for items such as toiletries, extra socks and Internet access, explained Brown.

"Everything raised today will go towards helping them purchase those amenities," she said.

Brown's ex-husband Dennis will be leaving for Afghanistan at the end of the summer.

"This is significant to me because my ex-husband is a solider and we have three children together," she said. "It's very important to support them and let them know that we stand by them."

The day included food, drinks and live bands that rocked all day long on a large stage. Frank from Club Belvedere donated his facility for the event. Ten bands including Rock Vegas, 60 percent Polyester and The Spins played from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Soldiers from RSM Lincoln-Welland Regiment and other Niagara regiments were there to support the first event that Brownstone's has organized.

The pub has been open since June 12.

"This is our first time holding the event and we have had a great response," said Brown. "It will become an annual event."

Brown said it is important for Canadians to support our troops even if they do not support the war.

"I always say it is not about supporting the war, but it is about supporting our soldiers."

The Support our Troops event raised between $2,000-$3,000 for Niagara-area soldiers.