Editor:
I was once again so very proud of our community and all the participants for the day of Remembrance in our city.
It is a culmination of 1000s of hours of volunteer labour. It starts with the Poppy volunteers, the delivering of the wreaths and Poppy boxes, and the wonderful reception of the merchants, service clubs and first responder organizations in our generous city.
We receive co-operation of the city in the use of the Gibralter Room and city hall square for our services.
The cadets are out and about for two days with the poppy drive greeting people and offering up our symbol of Remembrance. They are well received and we thank all that took part in this aspect.
The service in the Gibralter Room was well attended and poignant as usual. The participation of the musicians always adds an element of peace.
The march to the Cenotaph was wonderful. It was colourful and lively. The colour party leading the way with the Veterans and Legion members behind them. The Williams Lake Pipe Band kept us in step and who does not love the pipes. The RCMP in their brilliant reds and the firemen, Cadets and all of the children marching with us is so moving. There was clapping and cheering from the spectators. Thank You to all of you.
The two minutes of silence and the playing of taps and reveille is always a time of reflection. Thank You to the piper, the MC and the chaplin.
The Springhouse Flying Club and the missing man formation was especially poignant. When that aircraft broke off and disappeared into the clouds, I think we all gave a little shiver and had a tear in our eye. Thank you.
The laying of the wreaths, led by our Silver Cross Mother, is always stately and respectful. I thank the volunteers that set up all the wreaths and organized the program, well done. The Cadets, that are the vigil sentries, were in place before the Marching on of the Colours and were standing sentry at the four corners of the cenotaph, did a very good job. We are ever grateful for them.
Those that are able, then march to the Legion to lay one more wreath and are invited into the Branch for an afternoon of comradeship and entertainment. Our members and community provide a potluck lunch. Mmmm good, nothing better than potluck.
Thank you to all that helped us there, with food, with serving and with smiles. You all rock.
At 4:30 p.m. we were served a wonderful pulled pork dinner. Thank you.
The pictures and stories in our local newspaper were awesome, recording the day as only they can.
We are lucky to have such community minded publications. Thank you.
I have deliberately not mentioned any names as I am not wanting to slight anyone. You all know who you are, we thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Bonnie O’Neill
President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139