Special Features - 2015 Remembrance Day

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Honouring all those who laid down their lives in world wars

Standing strong

in Memory Remembrance Day 2015

OJ

Ann Property Manager

Property/Strata Manager

Realty & Property Management Inc.

962 Shoppers Row, Campbell River

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LEST WE FORGET

Why Remember?

We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument.

These wars touched the lives of Canadians of all ages, all races, all social classes. Fathers, sons, daughters, sweethearts: they were killed in action, they were wounded, and thousands who returned were forced to live the rest of their lives with the physical and mental scars of war. The people who stayed in Canada also served—in factories, in voluntary service organizations, wherever they were needed.

We often take for granted our Canadian values and institutions, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice. The Canadians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief that the values and beliefs enjoyed by Canadians were being threatened. They truly believed that “Without freedom there can be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom.”

By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve. They believed that their actions in the present would make a significant difference for the future, but it is up to us to ensure that their dream of peace is realized. On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve.

The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument.

National War Memorial in Ottawa

Yet for many of us, war is a phenomenon seen through the lens of a television camera or a journalist’s account of fighting in distant parts of the world. Our closest physical and emotional experience may be the discovery of wartime memorabilia in a family attic. But even items such as photographs, uniform badges, medals, and diaries can seem vague and unconnected to the life of their owner. For those of us born during peacetime, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives.

Lest we forget…

During times of war, individual acts of heroism occur frequently; only a few are ever recorded and receive official recognition. By remembering all who have served, we recognize their willingly-endured hardships and fears, taken upon themselves so that we could live in peace.

Source: www.veterans.gc.ca

Lest We Forget

Campbell River honours veterans for their service, commitment and sacrifice.

We are grateful for all you have done.

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LEST WE FORGET

The Battle of Monte Cassino –

A Daughter’s Journey Into Her Father’s Past The battle of Monte Cassino (also known as the battle for Rome) was a 157 day assault against Hitler’s army during the Italian campaign in WW2. My father, Corporal Robert Ralph Taylor, was there serving in the Canadian Perth Regiment in 1944.

My father never spoke of his experience there.

He never told me how he hated lying in a wet, mud-caked, wool uniform that stank of sweat and that chaffed his neck till it was raw. He never said how numb his fingers got on the trigger of his rifle during that bitterly cold February when he watched 1400 tons of bombs drop on the hill top Abbey and strained to see his enemies through the driving rain. He never said a word about being terrified while wading through the swift, cold currents of the Rapido River and how he couldn’t swim. I never heard him say anything about a steep, rocky hill strewn with boulders, cut with ravines and gullies filled with gorse or shoe box mines and hidden barbed wire and booby traps. There was no discussion around seeing his comrades and commanding officers blown to pieces beside him. He never once said “I took another man’s life” so I don’t know if he did or not. What words are there to explain these things? My father never spoke of the war. My father drank.

I barely knew my father until I was 7 when he joined AA and became my dad. I remember as a kid looking in the old dented, tin box that held his badges, medals and old coins he kept in the upstairs bedroom of our old farm house. At the time, it didn’t interest me one little bit so I never asked him about this stuff. I grew up, became a nurse and moved from my Ontario home to BC. Yearly visits back east were spent visiting mom and dad but the talks were about what was happening in the present not about the past. Then dad died suddenly at age 72 from a heart attack and mom moved here to be

closer to us 5 kids who were by now all living out west.

She was retired and lived modestly but comfortably due to dad’s army pension.

After mom was gone and all my father’s siblings passed there was suddenly no one to ask.

It took planning a fun vacation to Italy this past year that caused me to think “hey, wasn’t dad in Italy in the war?” My older brother had information about dad’s regiment and where he had fought.

Since I was going there, I decided to have a look at this. Where exactly was Monte Cassino and what had happened? This began my journey to find out what happened to dad.

The set up to this story and battle, were the Canadians landing in Naples and traveling north. The plans to move through Italy were made difficult by treacherous terrain and Italy’s wet season. Making matters worse, the Germans, diverted the Rapido River to flood the only 2 paths up into Rome and also had destroyed all bridges. In the middle of this line of defense was the town of Cassino, 125 km south east of Rome. Overlooking this town stood an ancient monastery atop a hill built in the sixth century known as Monte Cassino. Its view held strategic value.

Approaching enemy advances could be detected from quite a distance.

The town of Cassino was thought to block the path of advancing allies to Rome.

The battle for Monte Cassino was one of the longest and bloodiest battles the allies were involved in during the Italian campaign in WWII. It began in January and ended in May 1944. At the end of the four battles there were seventy-five thousand casualties. An eyewitness who saw survivors descending from the hill wrote “It was more than the stubble of beard that told the story:

Bonaire, Suite, Italy it was the blank, staring eyes. The men were so tired that it was a living death. They had come from such a depth of weariness that I wondered if they would quite be able to make the return to the lives and thoughts they had known.” These too included the eyes of my father, my dad.

happened to you now dad. Thank you for serving our country to make sure we had a better life. I share my story so we can all remember, lest we forget.

Submitted by Joan Taylor Daughter of Robert Ralph Taylor

Our visit to Italy took place in September of this year.

Monte Cassino will forever remain in my heart and soul. It took a tour of the war cemetery and standing in front of the graves of 800 Canadian soldiers with the Abbey in the backdrop where I finally got it. These graves were filled with kids just barely old enough to leave home. We saw where the Canadians drove a tank into the river to support a Bailey Bridge creating a crossing for the allies to advance, then we went up to the Abbey itself.

What I leave you with is this, “in life my father was silent, in death I heard him speak”. I know what

Corporal Robert Ra lph Taylor and wi fe, Kay

We will not forget

Home of the free because of the brave

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LEST WE FORGET Remembrance:

by F.C. Wood

us can day of Remembrance many of n em sol this ch roa app o laid we As 0 Canadian men and women wh ,00 114 the of e som st lea at r. To remember ught our nation to engage in wa bro t tha als ide the for s live down their pect and as rifice, we pay our deepest res those who paid the supreme sac remain conscious of our own sacrifice , we we remember them with sorrow h sorrow and pride -- that pride wit ber em and and service. Thus we rem sonal service to your country per r you of n ctio olle rec h wit which arises fellowman. ans do not remember war or the adi Can of ty jori ma t vas a ely Fortunat ans have indeed lucky that today Canadi miseries that it entails. We are n at any time in our history. tha known a longer period of peace p but not as fortunate. We cannot hel Others in the world however are rderous acts that are taking place in mu think of all the horrendous and ld. The assassinations and attempted wor the of t par almost every other situation; the ridiculous Falklands Islands tely ple com the s; tion ina ddle ass ass countries; the highly volatile Mi to r the mo our in rs rde mu and bombings frightening cipitate us into a war which is East conflicts, which could pre comprehend. uld symbol of Remembrance, it sho a ly ical bas is py Pop the ile And so wh y all these ect, especially to think about wh rifices also cause us to stop and refl sac of their lives and made the young Canadians gave so freely s the only nation in the world that had wa they did, especially as Canada her forces overseas. in completely volunteered service sion and to millions of people from oppres ing rat libe d die and ght fou y t they also The ter than the one they knew. Bu So that bet e littl a ld wor a ate cre to tried have. tinue to enjoy the freedoms we died so that today, we can con we could acquire an education; so that we that our homes would be safe; so with whomever so that we can make friends to; nt wa we y wa the p shi might live wor realize that their desire that we to y eas be uld sho It . ase itself. we ple more important to them than life in freedom and in peace, was past. We ell upon, nor think only of the dw not uld sho we e tim this but the At the future of our own country for y onl not , ure fut the of k work must thin ut how we, as individuals, can entire world. We must think abo peace. We should pause to think of our ld indeed a better united country and wor , peace, goodwill, friendship and alty loy ges vile pri it’s and m edo fre the whole value of our freedom. can do nonymous with license. The, "I e or our Freedom for many today is sy els ardless of it’s effect on anyone anything I want, anytime, reg not acceptable. Our freedom, symbolized s is country” way of thinking. Thi supreme to us by those who paid the by the poppy is a gift given accept the als accept this gift we must o capability. sacrifice of their lives. If we use it to the utmost level of our and it tect pro to ility sib pon res We are being are being asked to remember.

So on this November 11th we responsibility of nity involvement, our sense asked to think about our commu free land of er nations living in this great oth of ple peo as or ans nd, adi as Can freedom we enjoy to help manki the use to ed ask ng bei are of man, Canada. We erstanding, to promote the dignity to work toward even greater und mote the true spirit of freedom and to pro but above all else, ever strive world peace. ht live to those who fought that we mig do not These few words are dedicated we if that we must remember, for in freedom. It is their valour in vain. remember, they will have died

Frederick Charles Wood April 16, 1921 – June 21, 1998

Our father, Frederick Charles Wood, was born April 16, 1921 in Regina, Saskatchewan. When he was a young boy, his parents separated and he, along with his mother and sister moved to Vancouver to be close to his mother’s family. They were not well off and dad always said he joined the army to get a new pair of boots. He didn’t see his father again until they met during WWII. In 1940, while he was stationed in England, dad received a letter from his cousin telling him that his father was also stationed in England. They got together in a village pub and had a great visit and they kept in touch. When dad moved to Campbell River in 1946 to work on the John Hart project, his father came to visit and also went to work on the project.

Dad rarely talked about the war and it obviously affected him as it did many others.

When he was shipping supervisor at the mill he had a man working for him who was

The men and women of the Canadian Forces have demonstrated time and again that they will rise to any challenge.

Let your Canadian Forces members know you appreciate their service.

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LEST WE FORGET on the other side. They got talking and realized they were in the same battle literally shooting at each other. He also told the story of watching his good friend, Dick Kelton, ride his motorcycle right into enemy lines and was unable to do anything about it. Luckily, Dick survived the POW camp and they met up after the war.

Dad served with the Seaforth Highlanders in North Africa and Italy and was part of the forces that liberated Amsterdam on May 5th, 1945. He never forgot that day.

Dad was a member of the Legion and worked for veterans all his life.

May we never forget….

Freedom isn’t free

We will never forget.

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TM

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In memory of all our Veterans

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LEST WE FORGET Bob Ostler

September 12, 1920 – November 17, 2001 After 36 missions over Germany piloting a Lancaster bomber, and two crashes, Bob Ostler never expected to survive the war. Before his quiet passing at age 81 he commented that “Life doesn’t owe me a thing. I never expected to get back to my family in Victoria and it is a miracle that I have lead such a long life.”

Bob Ostler was not only a distinguished WWII veteran but as well a pre-eminent citizen of Campbell River. He served his community well as a mayor for eight years and later as a private citizen and Freeman of the City. Ostler was born in Victoria on 12 September 1920 and died on 17 November 2001.

Flight Lieutenant Robert Ostler

As an 18 year-old he yearned to fly and in the spring of 1939 he was recruited into Victoria’s famous “Major Biggs Boys” group and sailed for England where he underwent pilot’s training.

He served for the six war years with the Royal Air Force and the final years were spent piloting a Lancaster on bombing sorties over enemy territory. His bomber crashed twice, once due to “friendly fire”, and each time the crew managed to make their way back to #15 Squadron at Mildenhall, U.K. In recounting his experiences to Ken Stofer, author of The Biggs’ Boys, Ostler tells of a particularly unnerving experience when he was piloting a loaded bomber on a daylight raid to Leipzig in the summer of 1944. “I was flying in very tight formation. We had ‘cookies’ on board, 4,000 pounders plus 500s and incendiaries. We took a direct hit on the bomb bay. I was tucked in so close that it blew out both of my motors on the port side and took off one tail plane. We were on the run in and my bomb bay doors were open and remained jammed. The concussion split my cooling systems, white smoke poured from the port motors and I had to feather. The rest of my flight disappeared in the distance and we were left limping along on two motors. I couldn’t take evasive action but an aircraft, about 1,000 feet above me, saw the predicament we were in and turned around to cover us and started dropping metallic “window”. This screened out our plane from the German antiaircraft guns.” Ostler said they were too badly beaten up to get home and as they were losing height rapidly they circled and landed on a soccer field about 30 miles from Vught in Holland.

“This near tragedy had its funny side,” said Ostler “The crew were in brace position and by this time

Honouring all who served.

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LEST WE FORGET

Distinguished Flying Cross

I’m bringing the Lanc in on only one starboard inner motor. I’m coming in wheels-up and there’s a drainage ditch at the end of the field. We ploughed right through breaking the persplex off in the nose and scooping up mud. I was buried in the cockpit. When I cleared the mud out of my eyes and eased myself out of the ooze I could see the crew running like hell down the field. I guess they thought we were going to blow up.

Funnily enough we had landed in the middle of an artillery barrage between the New Westminster Regiment and German artillery.”

The photo on this page of the crashed bomber on the soccer field turned up recently on the Internet. It emerged, thanks to an intense web search in England by a young man named Kelvin Josh. He had befriended Ostler’s former tail gunner Les Hamilton who had flown on all 36 missions.

Hamilton was now 85 years and anxious to reconnect with his former squadron leader. Apparently a Dutch family living near the crash site took several pictures of the Lancaster. The pictures remained in the family archives for 70 years. It took a computer literate grandchild to connect the pictures with a web search conducted by Mr. Josh. The Ostler family in Campbell River treasure these photos. War records at the Air Association headquarters show Ostler crashed only once.

These photos plus flight records forwarded to the family will be in valuable in clearing up errors in Ostler’s RAF history.

Ostler had many stories to tell including another similar crash landing in occupied France at a British aerodrome called B26 for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, (DFC ).

Lest we forget.

LEST WE FORGET REMEMBRANCE DAY

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Bob Ostler’s Story Part II

The story of his second crash is also recounted in The Biggs Boys where Ostler described a gripping account of a landing in occupied France.

“We used to ‘mark’ a lot of our own targets. We were equipped with all sorts of gadgets like GS and H2S. On this particular night I was target marking. No one was supposed to be over the target other than ourselves and we were about to mark the target with flares. The target was Dresden as far as I can recall. We arrived right over target on our ETA and prepared to drop flares.

We hadn’t actually dropped a single flare, when all of a sudden all hell broke loose. Evidently a squadron had come in early and 500 feet higher and let everything go on an unmarked target. To this day I don’t know who the hell they were. But the end result was they put two incendiaries inside our aircraft, two 500-pounders through my port wing and one through my starboard wind. I lost 800 gallons of gas…in ten minutes the gauges had flopped. We had two fires burning and I could taste the gas in my mouth. But, we never blew up. The crew shovelled one incendiary through the rear escape hatch and the other one never went off. The arm was taken off my chair, it wiped out our auto pilot and we were in a real mess.

I could look out at the port wing and there were holes in it that a guy as big as I am could walk through. Why the bloody wing didn’t fall off I don’t know. We were in big trouble. The plane was still flying and I still had full control but there was no way I was going to get back to England.

I didn’t have enough fuel to get halfway back. I’ll never forget that date, November 4, 1944. It is indelibly written in my mind.

Mac, my navigator set a course for a British aerodrome in occupied France called B26, designated B for British. We started back and about halfway there we were picked up by German night-fighters.

I couldn’t take evasive action. I knew if I started to corkscrew I would lose a wing. They made two runs at us. The kite got hit but without more serious damage than we already had. Nobody was wounded. Without being able to take evasive action we were just damn lucky, that’s all. Thank God there was a layer of 10/10ths cloud below us and I just slid the Lanc over very carefully into the cloud and evaded them. Mac was one of the best navigators you could wish for. He was deadly accurate and got us back on course. What we didn’t know was that we had lost our antenna.

We could send but we couldn’t receive.

Our call went out ‘Mayday! Mayday!’ We were Mayday-ing our fool heads off and getting no response and yet Mac was absolutely certain we were dead over the top of Base 26. We were now down to 1200 feet and running on an ‘oily rag’ as the saying goes. There was nothing in the tanks. I was just about to bail the crew out. I couldn’t leave it any longer or they wouldn’t make it. Suddenly there was a light from the ground. I gambled and went around again and saw a second one come on and as soon as I saw that I came in and landed. I put the Lanc down and before we got to the end of the runway, all four fans quit turning. They towed us off with a tractor and wrote the aircraft off on the spot. Apparently B26 had a power failure. They had received our Mayday and were talking back to us but without our antenna we didn’t receive anything.

We had gone down on the 4th of November and of course my parents were notified I was missing, however a wonderful thing happened. All my family were sitting down to Christmas dinner when there was a knock on the door. It was a telegram to say I was safe. It was delivered by hand on Christmas Day, which I thought was incredible. I still have that telegram.”

It was the Dresden trip that earned Ostler the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), but he didn’t get up to Buckingham Palace for the presentation ceremony. In 1945, after serving six years overseas, he returned to Canada and transferred to the RCAF where he was based at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. When the peace agreement was signed with Japan he retired from the service and moved back to his home in Victoria. He finally received his DFC late in 1945 at a ceremony held at Government House with the Lt. Governor, W.C. Woodward presenting the award.

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LEST WE FORGET

10 Quick Facts

on Remembrance Day

✻ Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. It was originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. ✻ From 1921 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. In 1931, Alan Neill, Member of Parliament for Comox–Alberni, introduced a bill to observe Armistice Day only on November 11. Passed by the House of Commons, the bill also changed the name to “Remembrance Day”. The first Remembrance Day was observed on November 11, 1931. ✻ Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. We remember the more than 1,500,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice. ✻ The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Replica poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to provide assistance to Veterans. ✻ Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada. It is also a statutory holiday in three territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) and in six provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador).

and a colour guard. At the end of the ceremony, they march away to officially close the ceremony. ✻ Some of the 54 Commonwealth member states, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, observe the tradition of Remembrance Day on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Other nations observe a solemn day but at different dates. For example, ANZAC Day is observed in New Zealand on April 25. In South Africa, Poppy Day is marked on the Sunday that falls closest to November 11.

✻ The national ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Governor General of Canada presides over the ceremony. It is also attended by the Prime Minister, other government officials, representatives of Veterans’ organizations, diplomatic representatives, other dignitaries, Veterans as well as the general public.

✻ Many nations that are not members of the Commonwealth also observe Remembrance Day on November 11, including France, Belgium and Poland.

✻ In advance of the ceremony, long columns of Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP officers, and cadets march to the memorial lead by a pipe band

✻ The United States used to commemorate Armistice Day on November 11.

However, in 1954 they changed the name to Veterans Day.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left to grow old, Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We shall remember them.

Charlie Kelly

They gave their tomorrows so we could have our today…

Thank you.

249 10th Avenue, Campbell River 250-286-0551

We will never forget.

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LEST WE FORGET

Volunteer Service Medal

War Medal 1939-1945

British War Medal

Victory Medal

John Delmar Osbourne John Delmar (Bob) Osbourne served overseas in the two Great Wars.

He served with the 7th Battalion in World War I and was awarded the Military Medal and Bar and the British War Medal and Victory Medal which he earned by reason of service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I. In World War II, he joined the B.C. Regiment of the Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles. He was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and the War Medal 1939-1945, awarded for service with the Canadian Army (Active) during World War II. The discharge certificate states his rank as Sergeant. He served in Canada, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.

Remembering those who defended our freedoms

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LEST WE FORGET

Red poppies for remembrance…

White poppies for a peaceful future.

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Thank-you for all those who fought for our freedom.

Remembering all those who fought for our freedom.

Thank you… to all present, past and future service men and women.

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LEST WE FORGET

Give pause on Remembrance Day Throughout history, millions of soldiers have marched into wars to protect the freedoms of their countries. Remembrance Day is a solemn time to commemorate those soldiers’ achievements and sacrifices and to pay respects to soldiers who died in battle.

In the United States, people honour their present and past military on Veterans’ Day. In British commonwealth countries and territories, including Canada, November 11 is known as Remembrance Day. Since the end of World War I, memorials to remember those of the armed forces who fought in battle and perished in the line of duty have been dedicated on this day.

Armistice Day origins Remembrance Day was once known as Armistice Day because it marks the signing of the armistice that put an end to the hostilities of World War I. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, guns fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare between the Germans and Allied troops. The armistice agreement was

In honour of our Veterans.

signed in a French train carriage at 11 a.m. Later, the carriage where the historic event took place was placed in a specially constructed building to serve as a monument to the defeat of Germany. Although it was moved by German forces and later destroyed during World War II, after that war ended a replacement carriage, correct in every detail, was rededicated on Armistice Day in 1950.

Remembrance Day evolution Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day after World War II to commemorate soldiers from both world wars. It is now used as a way to pay homage to any fallen soldier.

Each year a national ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, a monument erected as a memorial to soldiers buried elsewhere. The Queen will lay the first wreath at the Cenotaph, while others will leave wreaths and small wooden crosses.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in many provinces and territories. Official national ceremonies are held at the

National War Memorial in Ottawa.

Events begin with the tolling of the Carillon in the Peace Tower, during which members of the Canadian Forces participate and congregate at Confederation Square. Similar ceremonies take place in provincial capitals across the country. Very often moments of silence are offered for lost lives.

What about the poppies?

One of the unifying symbols of Remembrance Day is the poppy that is worn to honour lost soldiers.

The bold, red color of the flower has become an enduring symbol of those who died so that others may be free.

The poppy became a symbol for a specific reason. Some of the most concentrated and bloody fighting of World War I took place in Flanders, a region in western Belgium. As a result of the fighting, most signs of natural life had been obliterated from the region, leaving behind mud and not much else. The only living thing to survive was the poppy flower, which bloomed with the coming of the warm weather the year after fighting in the region had ceased. Poppies grow in disturbed soil and can lie

We won’t take our freedom for granted.

dormant in the ground without germinating. Without the war, they may have never come to the surface.

John McCrae, a doctor serving with the Canadian Armed Forces, was moved by the vision of poppies flowering in Flanders and wrote a poem titled “In Flanders Fields.”

After the poem was published, it received international acclaim, and the poppy became a popular symbol of those lost in battle.

Men traditionally wear the poppy on the left side of the chest, where a military medal would be placed.

Women wear it on the right side because that is where a widow would wear her husband’s medals.

Remembrance Day is celebrated every year, providing people humbled by the sacrifices of soldiers an opportunity to remember those soldiers’ efforts to secure freedom.

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1-855-291-4335 www.northislandnissan.ca

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LEST WE FORGET Robert Lewis Left, George, Jack and Robert (Bob) Lewis – World War II Veterans.

Below, pictured with the Judge (P.E. Lewis) World War I Veteran.

World War II veterans, from left, Carl Kolonsky, Ted Lavender, Bob Lewis and Ted Turner occupy front-row seats during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of The Netherlands at Spirit Square earlier this year.

We Remember.

Surprise Mom !

In honour of our In honour of our Veterans, Veterans, we remember we remember & th ank you. & thank you.

“Lest we forget our fallen comrades who gave their lives for our freedom!”

Auto Service 2244 S. Island Highway

WILLOW POINT 250-923-4421

Honouring our veterans.

1440 Redwood Street Campbell River 250-286-1151

Beautiful arrangements from Campbell River’s ONLY downtown florist.

Spoil her with a great gift from our wide selection of ladies accessories including handbags, scarves and jewellery.

Open AND Delivering on Sunday MAY 10.

107-250 Dogwood St., Campbell River 250-287-3530 or Toll Free 1-888-766 Feet

Petals Flower Shop #120-1260 Shoppers Row • 250-287-7567 Fresh, Convenient, Local

Canadians remembering Canadians

972 Shoppers Row, Campbell River » 250-286-3293

7190A Market St., Port Hardy » 250-949-7231

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LEST WE FORGET

Remembrance Day

Schedule Of Events 7:00 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 2:00-7:00 pm 12:30 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Happy Hour (Comradeship) Breakfast Parade Announcements Marshall for Parade behind Old Post Office Ceremony at the Cenotaph Return to the Legion for Comradeship and ongoing Dance: “Beat-on-Music” – Hall Lunch prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary Dinner by the Ladies Auxiliary – Salisbury Steak Dinner $7 per person Sing Along. Music by “Kim’s Karaoke” Remembrance day is very poignant for our family. Not only did both of my grandparents enlist and serve, but several uncles did as well. Despite the fact that two uncles spent much of the war as POWs, both in Germany and Japan, we were very fortunate that all of our family members returned home after the war. Relatively in one piece but with emotional scars which meant many of their stories were kept from us until long after we were adults. My grandparents Elmer and Jean served together in service, and as partners in life. After my grandfather’s unexpected death in 2001, the cemetery in Brooks Alberta skipped a grave section in the military area, so that when my grandmother died in 2009 she was able to be interred alongside her husband. Side by side.

“Remembering the selfless, supreme sacrifice of our veterans past and present.”

edom. Peace of Mind.

ga. As ciis denti Support. Freedom. Peace of Mind. pitaecatur?

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LEST WE FORGET

ashwood Jones Capt. Donald D y on wedding da

Capt. Dashwood Jones then bombardier in artillery

WWII Spotter boat along the BC Coast looking for Japanese submarines

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Sergeant Donald McRae North West Mounted Police

Aircraft for spotting Japanese subs off the BC Coast

OCT 19 - NOV 27

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | 45

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LEST WE FORGET Thank you to all Honouring who served and

sacrificed for those who serve. our country.

Saluting Our Veterans

250-287-8396

17th & Tamarac, Campbellton LEST WE FORGET

November 11th, A dAy we remember.

EVERGREEN

Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre 1444 Island Highway, Campbell River

~ Located in Alder Medical Center ~ 277 Evergreen Road, Campbell River

250-287-3222

A Life in Service

As a youngster, I couldn’t wait to join the local army cadet corps and so I backed up my birthdate by a year and from then on through cadets, the militia and the regular army it remained in place. It wasn’t until I joined the RCMP that my false birthdate caught up with me but they didn’t send me home as I was already in Depot Division in Regina.

The reasons for my being so keen regarding the military were all due to family history; my father at the outbreak of WWII was in the Horse Artillery wherein, although hard to imagine they were still pulling artillery gun set-ups with teams of horses. My great uncle Willie served in the Royal Navy in WWI and my aunt Mary & uncle Vic served in wartime.

On Remembrance Day all through my youth, my folks took me to the Service rain or shine.

My great grandfather, Sergeant Donald McRae served under Sir Sam Steele in the Northwest Mounted Police so even the police connection was in the family.

Left to right: Uncle Vic, my mother and Aunt Mary

Over the years, the WWI vets have become reduced in number as is now the case with WWII vets.

“Lest we forget” should ring in our ears and that rings true when you think of the wars that still go on today; why, with all our science, technology, and brilliant minds are we still going to war with somebody, somewhere? I don’t have any pat answers but we need to get one because after WWIII there won’t be any remembrance day, just nuclear winter!!!

Affordable Monitoring & Response Service

LAWRENCE DASHWOOD-JONES

778.235.4931

46 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015

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LEST WE FORGET

with William Roddick (top left of centre) d ban ps Cor New Westminster Sea Cadet

William Roddick at New Westminster Cenotaph Novembe r 11, 1949

Take time to remember Throughout the year, and particularly during Veterans Week, Canadians come together as a nation to honour and remember Canada’s Veterans, war dead and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf in times of war, armed conflict and peace.

Honouring

In war there are no unwounded soldiers.

Thank you…

ALL

who served

Locally Owned for 31 Years OPEN NOON-5 REMEMBRANCE DAY

DOGWOOD PET MART “Campbell River’s Favourite Pet Food and Supply Store”

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 2ND & DOGWOOD 250-287-7405 • www.dogwoodpetmart.ca

Stuart OPEN FROM DAWN TO DUSK 6:30am - 9:00pm

Tyee Plaza • 250-286-6711 • 1319 Island Hwy. www.bannersfamilyrestaurant.com

Shelly

Walkers

Dean

• Net weight 15.4 lbs • 8” (20 cm) wheels • Padded seat and backrest • Ultra-light frame • Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs • (136 kg)

Power Wheelchairs • Padded back, • seat & armrests • Solid tires • Swing-away footrests

May we never forget…

1690 Maple St, Campbell River 250-286-7229

250-287-7755 200-1260 Shoppers Row www.tkslaw.com

778-346-1073

#1454 Ironwood St. Campbell River.

CR Common Mall

At Rivercity Mobility we are proud to keep our veterans moving. Ensuring their independence with a full range of mobility devices, electric scooters, power chairs, lifts, ramps and accessories.

Serving Campbell River, Courtenay and northern Vancouver Island, Authorized Dealer for over 400 Leading Brands. Full repairs and maintenance.

Single & Double • Wheel Size 12" Front 16" Rear • Maximum Speed 16-18 kph • Maximum Capacity Up to 200kg

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LEST WE FORGET Canadian Virtual War Memorial Inventory of wars in contemporary history Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that today’s soldiers make and on the sacrifices of all those who preceded them.

The deadliest war: The Great War of 1914-1918 is the greatest drama known to Europe in terms of the number of deaths. The totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century and the Second World War are the direct consequences of this war. But it was the Second World War that was the deadliest, with more than 55 million deaths, of which 30 million were civilian.

The most remembered war: This is the Second World War because of the atom bombs dropped on Japan and because it left its mark on three generations. Fortunately, those who remember it also remember the slogan “No more war!”

The bloodiest battle in Canadian history: The Battle of the Somme took place from July 1 to the end of November, 1916. On the first day of this battle, the 1st Newfoundland Regiment was virtually annihilated in the village of Beaumont. Machine guns, barbed wire, trenches, and massive artillery shelling resulted in ferocious fighting marked by heavy losses. Some 24,713 Canadians and Newfoundlanders died in the battle.

The largest naval battle: The greatest naval concentration of contemporary history was deployed in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean area on September 21, 2007. This unprecedented demonstration of power by the United States against Iran included three aircraft carriers supported by about 40 escort vessels and nearly 100 aircraft.

As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to speak the words but to live by them.

Thanks to the generosity of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, you can now search the Canadian Virtual War Memorial to find where a veteran is buried. This site is a registry of the graves and memorials of more than 116,000 Canadians who served valiantly and gave their lives for their country.

• Providing a Given Name or an Initial will help narrow down the number of search responses.

The purpose of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (CVWM) is to recognize and keep alive the memory of the achievements and sacrifices made by those who served Canada in the defence of freedom and so have contributed to the development of Canada as a nation.

• If you are unsure of the exact spelling of the Given Name, try using the first two or three letters of the Given Name or try using Initial.

The virtual memorial also contains images of individual Canadians and their experiences. You are invited to send us digital images of photographs and memorabilia relevant to Canada’s war dead.

• Multiple Given Names or Initials in the wrong order will cause an inquiry to miss the required record.

To start, search the Canadian Virtual War Memorial by filling out the search form at www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/collections/virtualmem Tips for Searching • Only use information that you are sure about.

• Searches are not case sensitive.

Search criteria may be entered in upper, lower or mixed case.

• A Surname or part of a Surname is required to successfully complete an inquiry.

• If you are unsure of the exact spelling of the Surname, try using the first two or three letters of the Surname.

• A maximum of 500 responses will be provided for each search.

LEST WE FORGET

• You can search by full Given Name or part of the Given Name.

• Separate multiple Given Names by a space. Do not use commas or periods.

• At least one Initial should be used.

Separate multiple Initials with a space. Do not use commas or periods.

• If the surname contains spaces (e.g. Le Blanc), it may appear in the database with or without the space (Le Blanc or LeBlanc).

• If the surname contains a period as in St. Pierre, it will appear in the database as St(space)Pierre.

• Try using Wild Cards.

A Wild card is a term used to describe a search technique which enables a range of names to be matched from a fragment of a name. “%” can be used to replace a string of text within your search. This technique ensures that the widest range of records are searched in an attempt to find the correct one.

Example: Entering a Surname as %donald will return the following search responses: DONALD DONALDSON MACDONALD MCDONALD

In memory of those who gave their lives so that we may live in peace.

Claire Trevena

MLA North Island

QUALITY IS OUR RECIPE 1325 Island Hwy, Campbell River, 250-286-4777

908 Island Highway Campbell River V9W 2C3

Assisted Living Services For The Elderly & Housebound Josie Coak 778-346-4446 • charcare@shaw.ca

250.287.5100 or 866.387.5100 Fax: 250.287.5105 claire.trevena.mla@leg.bc.ca www.clairetrevena.ca

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LEST WE FORGET During WWII, the Canadian Government felt it was necessary to ration certain goods. This was done to ensure there was a large enough supply to meet both military and civilian needs. Food rationing came into effect for Canadian civilians in 1942. More than 11 million ration books were distributed. Typical items that were on the ration list included meat, butter, sugar, tea and coffee.

ife t g ift in l s te a e r g The d emembere is to be R

We don’t remember days, we remember moments….

“Thanks to all who served and are serving.”

1260-Shoppers Row #110, (250) 286-1233 phototechprints.ca

940 Island Hwy. Shoppers Row 778-346-3366

(250) 287-8221 1456 Ironwood St (Campbell River Common) Open 7 days/week

Lest we forget...

Remembering those who serve.

JOANNE L. JOHNSON ~ Notary Public ~

R.H. Printing Ltd.

Printers, Designers & Publishers

250-287-2427 www.rhprinting.ca

Member

850B - 12th Avenue Campbell River, BC V9W 6B5

Ph: 250-286-3636

www.joannejohnson.ca

our fallen comrades who gave their lives for our freedom.

Honouring the memories of all who served Yvonne PelletierPaul License #67748

To schedule with Yvonne call 250.204.3332 or Yvonne.pelletierpaul@visiontravel.ca

Brian Shaw & Andy Leitch #1631 Island Hwy., Campbell River 250-287-8807 www.mackieresearch.com

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LEST WE FORGET

Canada's Veterans, Brave and Proud Each year, from November 5 to 11, hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events will take place across the country to commemorate Veterans’ week. These are opportunities for all Canadians to recognize the contribution our Veterans have made and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of Canada.

There are so many ways to remember and honour our Veterans:

✻ Wear a poppy. ✻ Attend your local Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11th. ✻ Thank a Veteran by sending a postcard for peace. ✻ Teachers - order some of our free learning materials and use our Teacher’s Guide to lead your classroom on a remembrance journey. ✻ Students - read one of our

remembrance newspapers written just for K-2, K-Grade 6 and for Grade 7 and above. ✻ Talk to a friend or relative who served with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan or in other areas of conflict. ✻ View our Heroes Remember videos and listen to Veterans talk about their experiences. ✻ Plant your own Garden of Remembrance. ✻ Visit the remembrance challenge page where you will find videos and images you can use to create a mashup, build a virtual scrapbook, a fan site or just decorate your own Web space. Share what you build with others and link back to our site.

We Will Remember.

The Campbell River Mirror salutes our veterans and those who serve.

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LEST WE FORGET They gave their lives so we can live ours.

2280 Island Hwy. Campbell River DL30675

Ucluelet Guard

1-888-307-5728 www.coastlinemazda.com

Tom Boyes

Honour

u r Ve o g n i

t e ra n s

2785 N. Island Hwy., Campbell River DL#7755 email: sales@strathconatoyota.com

p Ucluelet Cam

No. 2 Mess Hall

250-287-9527 • TOLL FREE 1-877-777-9527

Lest We Forget

Delaney Relocation

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Peace to each many soul that sleepeth, Rest to each faithful eye that weepeth

1790 D Tamarac Street Campbell River 250-287-SCAN (7226)

1940s Ta nk

Lest We Forget.

260-1400 Dogwood St. • 250-286-9917 londondrugs.com

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LEST WE FORGET

2nd Battalio n

Canadian Scottish

Army

Motorcycle School November-December 1941

Canadian Scottish

Army 194 0

Elizabeth Pryor (nee Bromhan) was awarded the Land Army Medal for her exemplary service in the UK Land Army during World War II. Larry Lundrigan, Queens Own Rifles, service in Korea, presented the medal while she was in Yucalta Lodge.

If fortune is adverse, front its blows with brave hearts – Cicero

In honour of our Veterans In memory of RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Lukey who died in his country’s service on April 3, 1945.

Sutton’s Campbell River Funeral Home 250-287-4812

www.suttonsfuneralhome.com

We Shall Never Forget TYEE PLAZA 1245 SHOPPERS ROW • 250-286-1760

250-923-0213 www.arts.council@crarts.ca

We will always remember.

Locally Owned and Operated!

582 South Dogwood St, Campbell River

www.theliteshop.ca

250-287-9905

250.830.0044 Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre

Marine Pub, Grill, Catering & Liquor Store

www.riptidemarinepub.ca

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LEST WE FORGET Please wear a poppy

In Flanders Fields

by Don Crawford, 1960s “Please wear a poppy," the lady said And held one forth, but I shook my head.

Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there, Her face was old and lined with care; But beneath the scars the years had made There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street, Bouncing along on care-free feet.

His smile was full of joy and fun, "Lady," said he, "may I have one?"

When she'd pinned it on he turned to say, "Why do we wear a poppy today?"

by John McCrae, May 1915

The lady smiled in her wistful way And answered, "This is Remembrance Day, And the poppy there is the symbol for The gallant men who died in war.

And because they did, you and I are free That's why we wear a poppy, you see."

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

"I had a boy about your size, With golden hair and big blue eyes.

He loved to play and jump and shout, Free as a bird he would race about.

As the years went by he learned and grew and became a man - as you will, too."

"He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile, But he'd seemed with us such a little while When war broke out and he went away.

I still remember his face that day When he smiled at me and said, Goodbye, I'll be back soon, Mom, so please don't cry."

"But the war went on and he had to stay, And all I could do was wait and pray.

His letters told of the awful fight, (I can see it still in my dreams at night), With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire."

Share online: Use Facebook, Pinterest,Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and show you remember Canada’s Veterans.

Post photos, videos, and messages using the hashtags #ShowYouRemember and #ShowYourThanks.

"Till at last, at last, the war was won And that's why we wear a poppy son."

The small boy turned as if to go, Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.

That sure did sound like an awful fight, But your son - did he come back all right?"

A tear rolled down each faded check; She shook her head, but didn't speak.

I slunk away in a sort of shame, And if you were me you'd have done the same; For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed, Though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid!

And so when we see a poppy worn, Let us reflect on the burden borne, By those who gave their very all When asked to answer their country's call That we at home in peace might live.

Then wear a poppy! Remember - and give!

Remembering those who protected us;

Honouring those who continue to do so...

TYEE

CHEVROLET | BUICK | GMC

Community… it’s who we are 570 – 13th Avenue

250.287.9511

tyeechev.ca DL#10790

1241 Ironwood Street, Campbell River 250-287-8819

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LEST WE FORGET POPPY MOBILE GIVING PROGRAM British Columbians can use their mobile phones to text donations to the Legion’s Poppy Funds.

“For many years, British Columbians have been proudly wearing their poppies and showing they remember,” says Jim Howard of Vancouver’s Poppy Fund. “This year we’ve added a new and easy way for you to give.”

“You simply text the word POPPY to 20222, reply YES to confirm, and a $5 donation will be added to your mobile phone bill,” explains Howard. “We receive 100% of the donation.”

The mobile giving program, made popular by disaster relief efforts in Haiti and Japan, is part of a brand revitalization project at The Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command.

Remembrance Day

NOVEMBER 11

Newly appointed Executive Director, Inga Kruse says the Legion is giving their brand a facelift that includes the introduction of new technology and new, more modern ways for supporters to remember, join and give.

“We want people to know we’re more than a social club,” explains Kruse. “Any Canadian over the age of 18 can join the Legion—you don’t have to be ex-military.”

The Legion in BC has 65,000 members, contributes $6.5 million to community programs each year and Legion members volunteer over 600,000 hours annually. One of the key programs that benefits from poppy fundraising is the Veterans’ Transition Program at the University of British Columbia, where returning veterans can receive free support, counseling and trauma relief as they transition home and back to civilian life.

Hell breaks loose

by Zen Karp (excerpt from H.L.I. and WWII) On this Remembrance Day, I fondly and proudly reflect back on my Grandfather, Private Jack Tufford, who served in WWII. On July 8, 1944, at the age of 24, the following events unfolded in Buron, France and this is an excerpt from ‘The Remembrance Project’ and the chapter entitled “Hell Breaks Loose’ by Zen Karp: “As the wheat field came to an end, Private Jack Tufford and the rest of his section brought their weapons into their shoulders. They had so far made it through some of the enemy’s mortars and were in good shape to close the last few hundred yards to Buron.

Without stopping, B and D Companies stepped out from the field of grain and it was at this moment the maelstrom of violence began.

In honour of those who saved the world In life one man can seldom see His impact in society Our soldiers fight to blinded eyes To allow us all to live our lives Taking up arms against a foe To save us from the pain they know To give us all out liberty They bear the brunt of misery No greater duty can one bear An act of courage few would dare Endless sacrifices for 4 years Keeping back our greatest fears November 11th is a day of love To remember those now up above Men and women far too great To be remembered upon one date No words bring justice to their fight But I will try with all my might To bring them honour for the days They fought to alay such evil ways No act of love could be so grand As one brave soldier’s final stand So now I will say at last We must remember what has past Those who have died and those who live And all the thanks to them we give They are all those who meet the call Preserving good for one and all So on this day I ask you pray For heroes of our memory Thank for your sacrifice It was this act that gave us life.

A poem by Mike

From less than three hundred yards to their front, erupted a hail of withering fire into the leading platoons. It was the anti-tank ditch and from it, the SS raked over their exposed enemy while the Canadians could do virtually nothing. The rich, life giving soil absorbed gallons of blood.

Through German sights, Private Jack Tufford was just one of the Canadians who dropped like a sack within seconds of the first rounds being fired. He had been shot once, and hit by mortar shrapnel which ripped through his chest. Like many with him that day, he was stopped well before reaching Buron.”

My Grandfather, as a result of his injuries, lived the rest of his life with one lung. As a young child, I would often ask, “Papa, show me your scar from where you got shot in the War!” but it was not something he wanted to talk about, being such a modest man.

I was the first born grandchild. Many more grandchildren and great grandchildren would follow, but he always made me feel like I was the only one. He and my grandmother resided on the beach shores of Lake Huron in Kincardine, Ontario for the remainder of his life.

They both were Private Jack Tufford active members of the Legion, playing crib daily, family outings to sing-alongs every Sunday night, formal events and attending the funerals of life long army friends he was fortunate enough to outlive.

He was notorious for having a joke or a saying every time you saw him, many of which I still remember to this day.

There have never been the proper words to express my gratitude for his service to our country. He was a humble man who never demanded recognition or attention. He was loved by all and is missed dearly. I love you Papa, thank you for being the best grandfather!

Lest we forget.

For those lost but not forgotten.

250-914-3200 • 780-D 13th Avenue

www.tohear.ca

On this day, let us recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave soldiers, and their families.

PARTS & SERVICE

1384-16th Avenue, Campbell River

1-877-581-7922 www.stevemarshallford.com

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LEST WE FORGET

In keeping with a tradition since 2001, all Quality Foods stores close each Remembrance Day to pause and reflect on the importance of the role of our past and present service men and women.

Whether in times of war or peace, we are ever grateful for these brave souls who put themselves in harm’s way for the greater good of all Canadians.

This year, with continuing turmoil worldwide, the need becomes even more apparent to keep November 11 aside for current & future generations to remember and appreciate their courage and sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

We believe that when we stand united in acts of remembrance, we can make a world of difference.

ALL STORES WILL BE CLOSED

NOVEMBER 11, 2015