Special Features - Remembrance Day 2019

Lest we forget....

B2 Friday, November 8, 2019

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Lest We Forget

NOVEMBER 11th.

The day we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

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City organizes Remembrance Day in Douglas Park Nov. 11 service will be the second event since the Langley branch of the legion folded do the Langley City ceremony,” Hilton told The Langley Advance Times.

When thousands filled This year, Cloverdale LeDouglas Park in Langley gion Branch 6 is handling City for last year’s Rewreaths and poppies in membrance Day service, Langley City. there was little sign of the On the Langley City behind-the-scenes scramble website there is a catalogue leading up to the event. for wreaths, along with an After Langley Legion order form to buy them Branch 21 closed down in from the Cloverdale legion May of that year, it was branch. unclear how the shutdown It can be found by viswould affect the November iting city.langley.bc.ca ceremony and poppy and searching for sales. “wreaths.”

“The City For the Dougstepped in,” las Park event, recounted Kim the City has Hilton, Langley arranged to have City director of a 12-person choir recreation, culture and from LSS sing the community services. national anthem and God Hilton explained the city Save The Queen at the cerdonated space for volunemony. teers, poppies and wreaths People who want to and helped organize the attend are advised to get event at the cenotaph. there early and be prepared Hilton said the City is to park a short distance again coordinating and from the actual ceremony. hosting the event, including “The roads will be the parade. blocked because we have “We still have a desire to a parade,” Hilton warned, Dan Ferguson dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com

suggesting visitors might want to park at the Timms Community Centre at 20399 Douglas Cres., just down the road.

“There’s parking at Timms on the surface and underground,” she advised.

A parade will begin at 10:35 a.m. at Timms Community Centre.

From the community centre, the parade will proceed east along Douglas Crescent to the cenotaph located at the corner of Park Avenue and Douglas Crescent.

People who want to take part in the walking parade are asked to arrive at Timms by 10:25 am.

The public can also assemble in Douglas Park by the cenotaph to see the parade arrive.

Douglas Crescent between 204th and 206th street will be closed to traffic, as well as Park Avenue.

At 10:45 a.m. the parade will arrive at the cenotaph and the ceremony will begin at 10:55 a.m.

Langley Advance Times files

In 2018, there was no sign of the last-minute scramble it took to organize a Remembrance Day service in Langley City’s Douglas Park.

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Aldergrove takes time to remember

The community’s lone remaining legion will host its annual parade and ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11 Sarah Grochowski Black Press Media

Black Press Medai files

The Fraser Blues formation flying team will zip over the Aldergrove Cenotaph during its annual Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:50 a.m.

Each year, an estimated 2,000 people gather in Aldergrove to pay their respects to Canada’s fallen veterans and their service on Nov. 11.

Remembrance Day starts with a procession of decorated veterans, Langley RCMP, Langley Township firefighters, local army and naval cadets, and scouts at 10:40 a.m. from Old Yale Road onto 268th Street.

Also in the parade will be military vehicles from Aldergrove’s Canadian Museum of the Armed Forces, including three M113A3 light armoured vehicles, and others, driven by qualified veterans.

The droves of highly-respected veterans and uniformed marchers lead the way to Aldergrove’s Royal Cana-

dian Legion cenotaph at 26607 Fraser Hwy., where an official ceremony gets underway at 10:50 a.m.

The Remembrance Day service includes hymns, poems, special messages, and the laying of wreaths and poppies, as well as a moment of silence on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

– the hour when hostilities during the First

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month...

We Will Remember Them!

World War ended in 1918.

Members of the community can purchase wreaths or poppies, with all proceeds going back into local veteran’s services and similar specialized initiatives.

The Aldergrove ceremony will be an opportunity for locals to remember all those who have served in the nation’s defence, whether close kin or fellow citizen, said the legion’s secretary manager Madeline Roach.

During the service the Fraser Blues formation flying team will fly by as part of its annual remembrance rounds from Abbotsford to Pitt Meadows.

Following the local service, the public is invited to join the legion members in its lounge for a potluck lunch Black Press Medai files and musical entertain- Those in attendance will be able to lay poppies and ment. wreaths on the Aldergrove Cenotaph in remembrance.

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CN Railway/Special to Langley Advance Times

What is thought to be the last surviving Centurion tank from the Korean War – nicknamed “Tina” – is on its way to Aldergrove. It was hoisted onto a CN Rail car for its 4,500-kilometre transport from Nova Scotia. It will be part of Monday’s service, then will head to its new home at Aldergrove’s Museum of the Armed Forces.

Centurion tank making a memorable debut

They gave their tomorrows so we could have our today...

Lest We Forget.

Sponsors go distance to commemorate Korean War Sarah Grochowski Aldergrove Star

later that summer.

He found himself enamoured by several Centurions Aldergrove will soon be that were parked along the home to the last surviving range road, ultimately destined Centurion tank with proven for destruction. combat experience in the Ko“It has always been my rean War – between North and passion to conserve and save South Korea. as much of Canada’s military “Tina the tank,” as coined as humanly possible, so I apby a CN Rail employee, lived pealed to save at least one for at Nova Scotia’s Cornwallis the future,” Newby said.

Military Museum in CornwalNewby cited the Aldergrove lis Park, from 1988 until the museum’s vast collection of museum’s recent closure.

Korean War memorabilia, The historical vehicle was including Princess Patricia’s offered through the OrganiCanadian Light Infantry zation of Military Museums (PPCLI) uniforms – which of Canada to any member were used to outfit and commuseum that was able to move The tank was loaded onto a CN Rail memorate a Canadian Korean it, explained CN public affairs car in Dartmouth, N.S. on Oct. 30 War Memorial in Tofino, in and is on its way to B.C. manager Josyln Young.

April.

The tank served under The Korean conflict saw Halifax Citadel.

Commonwealth efforts in the more than 26,000 Canadian “In Korea, Canadians Korean conflict and was likely soldiers battle on land, at sea, transferred to Canada in 1954, fought from 1950 to 1953. and in the air and cost 516 of Their service and sacrifice is Young explained. them their lives.

Aldergrove’s Museum of the an honoured chapter of our Newby emphasized his Armed Forces director, retired country’s military heritage and “dream has become a reality” must never be forgotten.”

Major CF Ian Newby, along due to the help of Long, the On Oct. 30, the nearly 50with Langley Township Coun.

Canadian National Railway, ton tank was loaded onto Bob Long, made the request and other devoted truckers in September for the tank that a CN Railway car in Dartand tradespeople, who were mouth, N.S. and is scheduled served on the frontlines of involved in the coast-to-coast to arrive in British Columbia battle. tank transfer of distances for its Aldergrove RememNewby said they jumped at more than 4,500 kilometres. the chance to redeem the tank brance Day debut thanks “This project epitomizes to multimodal supply chain after almost 40 years. what we Canadians can ac“Canada fielded Centurions provisions by several generous complish if we all pull togethsponsors. as our main battle tank well er,” Newby said.

In 1979, Newby was stainto the 1970s,” explained “Perhaps, one hundred years tioned at an Alberta training retired Major Ken Hynes, from now, this will be rememcurator of the Army Museum base for deployment to Europe bered as our finest hour.”

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Lest We Forget

Services offered in Cloverdale and Port Kells In addition to several Langley services, neighbouring communities host special events Museum of Surrey

Malin Jordain Black Press Media

The exhibit Surrey Remembers is on at the Museum of Surrey from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the museum remaining open until 5 p.m.

Free coffee and hot chocolate will be served beginning at 9:30 a.m. There will also be a temporary exhibit in the foyer highlighting the role Sikh soldiers played in The First World War. After Remembrance Day services end a dramatic production called Canadian Nurses in War Time will be shown in the museum’s theatre at 11:45 a.m.

As the Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign continues, Remembrance Day is now around the corner. Many members of the public will attend ceremonies across the community on Nov. 11.

“I encourage everyone in Surrey to get out to their local Remembrance Day services and support veterans,” said Earl Fraser, service officer for the Cloverdale Legion.

Services across the eastern parts of Surrey will be held in Cloverdale and Port Kells.

Here’s a roundup of what’s been organized.

Veterans’ Square

Cloverdale will host a ceremony in Veterans’ Square, located on Highway 10 at 177th Street, that begins with a procession at 10 a.m. and a service at the Cloverdale Cenotaph at 10:25 a.m.

Cloverdale roads will be blocked off to allow for the procession and are in effect

Port Kells

Black Press Media

One of the area’s biggest Remembrance Day events happens in Cloverdale. The cenotaph is located near the Surrey Museum and Archives at 177th Street and Highway 10 (56th Avenue). from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Cloverdale Branch No. 6, will be hosting its annual

Remembrance Day services.

Temporary road closures apply to 176A Street from 56A Avenue to 58th Avenue;

57th Avenue from 175th Street to 176A Street; and on 56A Avenue from 176A Street to 177th Street.

Remembrance Day service will be held at the Port Kells Community Hall (18918 88th Ave.) with a procession beginning at 10 a.m. and a service beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Port Kells road closures in are in effect from 10 to 11 a.m.

The Port Kells Community

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Association will be hosting their annual Remembrance Day Ceremony and Parade.

It will be necessary to implement temporary road closures on 88th Avenue from Harvie Road to 192nd Street; and on Harvie Road: 188th Street to 90th Avenue.

Lest We Forget

Fraser said there are always milestones that come up every year.

Major milestones this year include: 80 years since World War II began in 1939; 75 years since the invasion of Normandy in 1944; 105 years since the outbreak of the Great War in 1914.

He’s also encouraging everyone that attends Remembrance Day services to head back to their local Legions afterwards.

“All are invited,” said Fraser. “It’s always a great atmosphere with food and music and camaraderie.”

The Cloverdale Legion is located at 17567 57th Ave.

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Committee members Grace Muller and Rosemary Genberg finalize plans for the third annual Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Murrayville Cenotaph.

Murrayville remembers Community organizes Remembrance Day service

Ryan Uytdewilligen news@langleyadvancetimes.com

veterans headstones and plac- ple’s feet.

For the first time, a traffic ing Canadian flags on each.

Boy Scouts and Girl Guides control company will be onsite The third annual Rememto help park vehicles at the will be joining the procession brance Day ceremony at the at the Murrayville cenotaph to nearby Langley Golf and BanMurrayville Cenotaph will be lend their support. quet Centre or along nearby held on Monday, Nov. 11.

The 746 Lightning Hawk streets.

A procession will gather at Royal Canadian Air Cadets Veterans, seniors, and physithe south end of the cemetery will again be providing the cally disabled people are invitat 10:30 a.m. and proceed to honour guard at the cenotaph. ed to park along the cemetery the cenotaph.

The ceremony will begin at driveway, and they will be The ceremony is organized 10:40 a.m. and include songs, helped into the ceremony site. by a committee of Murrayville remembrances, wreath laying, Muller said the use of parkresidents, including Grace a reading of In Flanders Fields ing attendants is a sign that Muller, who will be performby John Mcthe relatively new ing master of ceremony duties. Crae, Last ceremony is con“This is our third year.

Post, and a sistently growing It’s a simple larger.

When the first one started, we fly-past of the were winging it,” Muller said. Fraser Blues a simple but meaning- but“It’s “There hadn’t been an official formation meaningful ceremony at this cenotaph be- team. ful program. program. We’re fore. We printed 100 programs Muller said not in competition the first year and 300 people their program with any of the Anyone is showed up. Last year, more runs shorter other ceremonies, welcome to and anyone is welthan 700 came.” than most as Muller was quick to say the the Murraycome to attend,” attend community support has been Muller noted. ville ceremony amazing – financial support The Murrayville will only have GRACE MULLER is provided by the Canadian and Fort Langley one prayer Veterans Affairs Department cemeteries feature instead of the as well as donations made by twin cenotaphs that were erecttypical four; an original work Murrayville businesses and written by Muller herself. ed in 1921, following the First individuals.

“Because the cemetery is World War. She said University Printers older and designed in such a Following the ceremony cofLtd., Mickey Caulter, EDS way, people will have to walk fee and cookies are available Pumps and Water Treatment, over people’s graves to get to at the United Church at 216th Murrayville branch of the the ceremony, which of course Street and 48th Avenue (at Aldergrove Credit Union, and many people view as disreMurrayville’s Five Corners). personal donations by Judith “It’s supposed to pour rain spectful,” Muller cautioned as Hunter, Nancy Pinchin, and on Saturday and so that may people make their way across Seanna Miller made the cerechange numbers,” Muller said. the grounds. mony possible.

“Only the good Lord knows A special poem written Students from Langley Fun- by Aldergrove resident Fred what will happen.” damental School and James The Murrayville cemetery is Dalkeith, is to be part of the Hill Elementary assist Townlocated at the end of 44th Aveprogram, specifically chosen ship staff with the cleaning of as it highlights soldiers at peo- nue west of 216th Street.

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Scouts scrub headstones of fallen soldiers Volunteers spend a day cleaning up around Fort Langley Cemetery ahead of Remembrance Day Ryan Uytdewilligen news@langleyadvancetimes.com

desire to volunteer.

“These kids are jumping at the opportunity to help out in About 30 scout members their community,” Lambert were down on their hands said. and knees Saturday morning, “They know many people are scrubbing the graves of fallen coming to see this, and it’s just soldiers at the Fort Langley such a great way to give back.”

Cemetery.

Lambert said the duties have Members of 1st Fort Langchanged over the past three ley, 1st Willoughby, and the years, with the first being quite Girl Guides used scrub brush- the undertaking. es, toothbrushes, and good “You should have seen the old-fashioned elbow grease to first year we did it – the graves get the headstones as clean as were very dirty,” Lambert possible for the upcoming Readded. membrance Day ceremony.

But beyond the hard work, Nolan Facer, an 11-year-old Lambert also recognized that member, was one of the opportunity also many who focused serves as a history on the task at hand lesson. on the sunny morn“The kids have ing. lots of questions.

Check more photos “We’re cleaning They see dates on the graves of service- LANGLEYADVANCETIMES.COM the headstones and men and honouring say ‘wow, I can’t bethe people that fought for our lieve that’s over 100 years old,” freedom,” Facer explained, tak- she explained. “They know ing little time to take a break without sacrifice, they wouldn’t from his duties to answer. be here.”

Fort Langley troop leader Patrick Burgess, leader of Mary-Anne Lambert said the the 1st Willoughby Troop, was tradition started three years personally moved by one of ago with nothing more than a the headstones he was cleaning

More online

that morning.

“I saw one of the soldiers was 19 when they died and I thought ‘I wasn’t thinking about that when I was his age.”

Beyond scrubbing the veteran section, the scouts also raked up leaves to get the entire area as prepped and presentable as possible for Nov. 11.

Volunteers will finish the preparation project by putting Canadian flags next to each of the veteran’s graves.

Scout members will be part of the procession service at the cenotaph ceremony, walking along with veterans and even getting the opportunity to meet them.

“It’s so great to see that they are already wanting to volunteer and feeling this way about the community while their young,” Lambert said proudly as she watched them scrub away.

“These kids absolutely are the future.”

The Fort Langley Remembrance Day ceremony will take place from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the cemetery at 23105 Glover Rd.

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Ryan Uytdewilligen/Langley Advance Times

Nolan Facer, 11, a Langley scout, was at the Fort Langley cemetery Saturday morning, volunteering his time to clean headstones of fallen soldiers for the upcoming Remembrance Day ceremony.

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Langley Advance Times files

The colour party arrived at the head of the procession for the 2018 Remembrance Day service in Fort Langley.

Fort ceremony now 20

It grew from two people to thousands

Matthew Claxton matthew.claxton@langleyadvancetimes.com

Fort Langley’s Remembrance Day service this year includes a piper, veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members, and a flypast by the Fraser Blues aircraft team.

The procession this year begins at 10:25 a.m. at the west end of the Fort Langley Cemetery, near the intersection of St. Andrew’s and Nash Streets.

A piper and colour party will lead veterans, active members of the Canadian Forces, clergy, RCMP, cadets, Langley Township Fire Department members, elected officials, Kwantlen elders, and members of the Scouting and Guiding movements.

They will make their way toward the cenotaph on the gravel and grass paths inside the cemetery, passing by the almost 300 graves of veterans.

The service officially begins at 10:40 a.m., but visitors are advised to come earlier, as the fenced cemetery typically hosts a large crowd.

There is reserved parking for veterans, the elderly, and disabled visitors at St. Andrew’s Church at 9025 Glover Rd. The annual event has recently been joined by another tradition – on a weekend before the service, local members of Scout groups have taken it upon themselves to clean the graves of veterans in the cemetery.

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Langley Advance Times files

A cadet stood vigil in front of the cenotaph during the 2018 Fort Langley Remembrance Day service.

Langley Remembrance Day Committee and the Fort Langley Lions Club, the annual service now draws thousands of people. But for many years, there was no service at the Fort’s cenotaph.

But on Nov. 11, 1999, 20 years ago, Second World War veteran Gord Gillard walked into the Fort Gallery, upset that there was nothing happening at one of the community’s first cenotaphs, which stood next to a veteran’s

cemetery.

The gallery’s Brenda Alberts joined him for an impromptu service of two at 11 a.m. that day.

Alberts assured Gillard there would be a proper service the following year, and there was.

The two helped organize the first few events, which have passed to other hands even as they grew.

Both Gillard and Alberts have since passed away.

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Memorial trees ‘hiding in plain sight’ Brian Croft is searching for information to locate symbolic maples honouring fallen soldiers “Plaques used to be on each but not much exits of those anymore.”

Around five trees have been In 1923, Langley residents Dr. identified – Croft said the only one Benjamin Marr and Archie Payne remaining with a commemorative spearheaded a project to plant 36 plaque is on Trattle Street in Fort Big Leaf maple trees in honour of Langley. the local soldiers that fought in the “Some of the trees were replaced First World War and didn’t come and many of them are now in bad home. shape,” Croft added, hoping the Going one step further, streets project can not only help bring to were named after the fallen soldiers, light local history but revitalize the giving Langley some of its most plant life. familiar titles such as Trattle, TopOne is thought to be located at the ping, and Carvolth. five corners in Murrayville, another Nearly a century later, most of the on Glover Road, one in Aldergrove, trees have gone unrecognized and and the last in Milner near the even neglected – with some possibly chapel. having been removed over the years “Logically, the memorial trees for construction and maintenance for each soldier should correspond purposes. with the name of their street,” Croft Brian Croft, a local artist, histoexplained, which would narrow rian, and former Canadian Forces down the search to 36 specific areas fighter pilot, said he had heard – many of which are completely about the memorial trees over the covered in old maples. years through the grapevine, and Croft pointed to the book Roads has been working with historian and Other Place Names in Langley, Warren Sommer to unearth the his- B.C. by Maureen L. Pepin as a tory and location behind the trees. source guide for explaining the me“Three dozen trees were placed morial project and history behind in memory of the gentlemen that the City and Township landmarks. didn’t come home. Now, about But narrowing down the search a half dozen of these things are can only get project so far; Croft hiding in plain sight,” Croft said. said much of the records that would Ryan Uytdewilligen ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com

Ryan Uytdewilligen/Langley Advance Times

Brain Croft pins a tree in preparation for the Alice Brown Elementary Remembrance Day ceremony, showing students there are many ways to honour fallen soldiers. have contained tree locations and information were destroyed decades ago in a fire.

With Remembrance Day up ahead, Croft figured the timing was

perfect to open up the memorial tree mystery to residents and even students.

“We remember… we remember… we remember… but, then we also

forget,” Croft said, stepping up to help facilitate a ceremony at Alice Brown Elementary School, where his daughter is a teacher.

“We remember with poppies, crosses, cenotaphs, and reading In Flander’s Fields, but we can also let kids know the different ways we remember by planting trees,” he explained.

A wall featuring the photographs and names of eight local killed in-action soldier’s who fought in the First World War will be displayed at the Alice Brown ceremony.

Pinned next to each one by student volunteers will be handmade trees to symbolically honour the fallen servicemen and also commemorate a local tradition of how Langley has remembered.

Croft is now hoping that residents might be able to shed some light on the memorial tree history. He’s asking people who may have information or knowledge of a tree location to share what they know.

People can email warren_sommer@telus.net or call 236-987-1858 with anything to share.

The information will be passed on to the Langley Centennial Museum, and the Township’s Parks and Heritage Planning department.

Remembrance Day | NOV 11 For your sacrifice For our freedom T hank You

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Grateful for the gift

Veterans, families touched to receive tribute banners Roxanne Hooper editor@langleyadvancetimes.com

Marjorie Mazerall might be suffering from dementia, but that didn’t stop the 97-year-old army veteran from trudging into the Downtown Langley Business Association offices Monday to pick up a “priceless” gift.

Mazerall, who served with the army on the homefront in Kitchener, Ont. during the Second World War, was one of 25 Langley veterans whose likeness was selected for a series of banners hung on City’s street posts in the days leading up to Remembrance Day each year.

Ten years ago, the business association kicked off the banner project by commissioning the creation of the special cloth tributes. Initially 25 Downtown Langley Business Association Langley veterans were profiled Marjorie Mazerall and her family picked up the old street banner gifted – several have since passed to her by the Downtown Langley Business Association. A new banner, away. boasting her likeness, now hangs on the one-way street.

As the DLBA prepared to replace the decade-old banners days later when he came There are still 20 banners with new tribute banners this downtown for his regular hair that she hopes will be collectyear, executive director Teri ed, including three depicting James made a plea to find any cut at Friends Barbershop.

He was beaming when he veterans that James doesn’t of those initial veterans or have names for. their families – to gift them the received the banner, James recounted.

The others that she’s hoping old banners.

“He was just stoked, to reach are Bob The response, James said, showing everyone in Baker, Robert Blair, was swift and overwhelming the barbershop and James Ferguson, after the initial Langley Adanyone else around,” Velma Green, Mivance Times story. chael Harvey, Arthur Five pictures of veterans ap- she said.

“They’re heroes, Henri, Arthur Johnpeared in the paper, and within and they served our son, Enice Lahraas many days, those veterans country. It seems the man, Theodore Lah– or family members – had very least we can do… raman, Reggie Lewis, reached out to claim the banit’s so worth the effort John McTaggart, Kelley ners bearing their pictures.

Alexander Myscouth, Mazerall was among a hand- to give them these banners.”

William O’Dribege, Phil Peterful of veterans or loved ones James also heard from the son, Geoff Seivewright, Lionel who have since collected the great granddaughter of one of Silver, and William Wiley. huge fabric photos.

“We would love for the famGrateful for the gift, she and the female veterans portrayed on the banners, Dorothy Kel- ilies to have the banners that her daughter Brenda, son-inhonour our Langley veterans,” ley. law Marvin, and grandson James said.

The young relative Mike, picked up the “It’s just a warm, fuzzy, feel was reading the newsbanner in person this good kind of thing,” she said, paper while sitting week – and while with her great grand- speaking to her desire to condoing so stopped to mother in hospital. nect with as many as possible. admire the new series That’s when she spot“If someone recognizes of banners hanging a name or a picture, please ted the matriarch’s along the main drag. picture and learned of spread the word so we can They were all a little get these out to the veterans the banner giveaway. taken aback to see the She went down and or their loved ones,” James old banner – which Freeston picked up the banner said, asking people to call the Mazerall was given DLBA at 604-539-0133. almost immediately, – as well as a new “At the end of the day, we banner, both emblazoned with and was able to share it with her great grandmother prior to just want to make sure these huge picture of her. banners get back to their famSimilarly, H.D. Freeston saw her passing a short time later.

James said the families genu- ilies,” she concluded. “They’re the initial newspaper story inely seem to appreciate receiv- all in great shape… it was just last month, where James was time to replace them with new ing the banners. reaching out to connect with ones.”

“Judging from the expresportrayed veterans or their sions on people’s faces when Pictures of all the unclaimed families. they pick them up, it’s worth banners are available at: Freeston, a resident of a langleyadvancetimes.com, the effort to find the homes for Walnut Grove care home, these.” search ‘Mazerall’ picked up his banner a few

We honour. We thank.

We remember Remembrance Day, 2019 @LangleySchools @LangleySchoolDistrict

sd35.bc.ca

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Peter Chuba, Canadian Army Veteran Resident, Sunridge Gardens

We will not forget 604.514.1210 5840 Glover Rd. Langley City

604.510.5091 22301 Fraser Hwy Murrayville www.BriaCommunities.ca

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B12 Friday, November 8, 2019

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Lest We Forget

Vets offered free lunch

Chorus concert features guests

Restaurant will honour those who served

MC’ed by distinguished veteran radio newsman George Garrett, the show will embrace that theme, The Langley-based adding era-appropriate First Capital Chorus’ special guest appearances Remembrance show is to the always impressive an eagerly-anticipated vocal performance of annual tradition on the the group (no longer an Semiahmoo Peninsula. exclusively male enclave) “For a lot of people – and the related harmony including older people quartets, Main Stream, who don’t get out and Memory Lane and Synabout as much and no cromesh. longer attend cenotaph “We became a mixed ceremonies – this is their group about six years ago Remembrance event,” with the addition of some chorus member Denny O’ female members,” comDonovan noted. mittee member Leigh AnO’ Donovan is servderson said. “Although ing for a second year as we didn’t become a mixed producer of the show – Black Press Media files choir officially (under the scheduled for Saturday, Navy veteran Bill Cameron (left) will be a special guest, along with neighbour Kees Koster who aegis of the parent orgaNov. 9 (at 2 and 7 p.m.), was a young boy in occupied Holland when D-Day took place. nization, the Barberhop at St. Mark’s Anglican Harmony Society) until Church, 12953 20 Ave. British and U.S. forces on this January.” for a premise for this in the military in all the – following up on last Committee member June 6, 1944 – provides a year’s musical tribute to decades from the First year’s well-received Monatural focus for Remem- Derek Sanft said the chothose who served.

World War to today. ments To Remember. rus – which will celebrate The 75th anniversary of brance activities. It was But as the title of the That show struck a these events that marked its 50th anniversary next D-Day – the invasion of current show – D-Day: resonant chord with the year – is continually seeklocal audience, effectively 75 Years Ago – indicates, Europe by liberating Al- the turning point of the ing to develop sub groups lied Forces, which began Second World War, and reinventing the concert as O’Donovan and the the beginning of the end and ensembles. with the landings in a cross-generational trib- organizing committee continued on page B13…

Normandy by Canadian, for Hitler’s Third Reich. didn’t have to reach far ute to those who served

Charlie Farquharson Special to the Langley Advance Times

A dozen WINGS Restaurants and Pubs locations across B.C. will offer a veteran appreciation lunch to those who served this country.

This offer applies to one complimentary lunch item off the lunch special menu and is valid Nov. 11 to 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is the third annual veteran appreciation lunch that WINGS has hosted across the province. Gold Wings Entertainment Ltd. the parent company for WINGS Restaurants and Pubs, wanted to give back to local veterans.

“It’s the least we could do to show our appreciation and thanks to some of the most deserving individuals in our local communities,” said Jeff Perham, director of WINGS marketing and business development.

Perham added that there was no doubt restaurant operators would be onboard.

“When we first suggested the idea to our restaurant operators, there was no hesitation and they absolutely loved the idea,” he said.

More: langleyadvancetimes.com, search ‘appreciation’

Military veteran and child from Dutch Liberation part of show Alex Browne Black Press Media

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Mary Polak, M.L.A. Langley Constituency Office: Unit 102 – 20611 Fraser Hwy. Langley, B.C. V3A 4G4 Phone: 604 514-8206 e-mail: mary.polak.mla@leg.bc.ca website: www.marypolakmla.bc.ca

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Lest We Forget

Our FREEDOM ...Their SACRIFICE

The First Capital Chorus’ latest Remembrance show highlights the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

BERT’S AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION

First Capital Chorus

Show features memories …continued from page B12 “We can meet an hour-anda-half variety show because we have these groups within groups – and it breaks up the chorus on stage,” he said.

Highlighting this year’s show will be the presence of two South Surrey residents – to be interviewed on stage

by Garrett – who can speak about D-Day and its impact on the civilian populations of Europe who had lived under the heel of Nazi occupation.

Bill Cameron, a Canadian Navy veteran, was on a corvette that provided covering fire for U.S. forces storming Omaha Beach on D-Day, while his present neighbour Kees Koster, was a young boy in Holland at the time.

“Kees told me everyone was so excited at the news of the invasion, and were saying ‘the Tommies are coming,’ which is how the Dutch people referred to both the British and Canadian troops,” O’ Donovan said.

“And as well as being buddies, Bill and Kees are wellknown locally as members of the Peninsula United Church community,” Sanft noted.

Adding another layer to the musical program, the jump jazz style of music – popularized in 1944 by artists like Louis Jordan and the Tympany Five – will be re-

called by the exuberant piano the First World War – in the church hall during intermisand vocal stylings of guest headliner pianist and vocalist sion, O’Donovan said.

A First World War medley Diane Lines. and a reading of In Flanders In addition to having Fields are still a valued part worked extensively with of the program, organizers legendary bandleader Dal said – the notion of RememRichards in his later years, Lines has also been a mentor brance retains significance whether or not audience for young musicians in the members have personal memVancouver jazz scene. ories of the conflicts remem“She’s a very exciting perbered. former who’s worked with Indeed, while seniors reseveryone from Michael Buble idences still to Shari Ulrich provide many – and we’re so of the loyal happy she was …they supporters available to join of the show, us for the show,” feel it’s the audience O’Donovan said.

“With her important to mix is becoming younger, musical abilities continue the O’Donovan oband playing with served, which Dal Richards tradition. bodes well for and knowing the the continued music of the ’30s, DENNY O’DONOVAN validity of the ’40s and ’50s so show. well, we thought “If you go to the cenotaphs she’d be a great fit.”

Also adding musical flavour on Remembrance Day, you find an awful lot of younger will be another guest mixed people who are going there group, the Full Measure because they feel it’s importQuartet, including singers ant to continue the tradifrom B.C. and Washington tion.”

State, while David and DorTickets ($20, forces veterothea Dahl will be on hand ans free) are at Pelican Rouge to contribute a stirring performance of Amazing Grace, in White Rock, the Crescent Coffee House in Crescent backed by the chorus.

There will also be a signifi- Beach or from O’Donovan at cant display of D-Day mem- 604-536-7983. Learn more at orabilia – plus items recalling firstcapitalchorus.org.

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B14 Friday, November 8, 2019

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Lest We Forget

D-Day veteran receives medals 74 years later John McLellan, 101, awarded France and Germany Star and 1939-45 service medal

Malin Jordan Black Press Media

“He’s just that type of person,” Don said. “He said to me when I asked him, ‘I never applied for them, It took 74 years, but John Andrew because I was just doing my job’.’’

John may not have received his (Dutch) McLellan finally received medals ever if his family had not his Second World War medals. inquired to see if he was eligible for McLellan was awarded his harda veteran’s pension. ware at a Oct. 23 ceremony at the Don said his dad was in the Royal Royal Canadian Legion in CloverRegiment of Canadian Artillery and dale. suffered some hearing loss because “Dad was feeling really great that of his service, “so we thought night,” said Don he would definitely qualify for a McLellan, John’s veteran’s pension.” son.

Inquiring about the pension, Don said his dad they contacted the Cloverdale appreciated that so legion and Earl Fraser, the lemany family memgion’s service officer, paid John bers and others a visit at home. showed up to witUpon being told he had no ness the ceremony. war medals, Fraser then told “He was pretty John he should apply for them proud to receive the – even if it was just something medals, and he has John’s kids would appreciate. them on his coffee McLelland Fraser called Veterans Affairs table,” said Don. Canada in Ottawa and spoke to “Someone asked someone in the honour and awards him after the ceremony what he section. thought about all this, and he said, “I gave him all John’s info and he ‘I wonder why it all happened.’ They asked, ‘Do you mean the ceremony?’ got back to us later saying he was eligible for two medals,” Fraser said.

He answered ‘No, why the war had Don said his dad was surprised he to happen?’” would be receiving medals so long It was no clerical error that prevented John from receiving his med- after the war.

When Scott MacMillan, legion als. He just never applied for them.

Lest we Forget…

Don McLellan/Special to Black Press Media

Langley veteran John McLellan (centre) was recently awarded two war medals. president, pinned the medals on John’s chest everyone in the legion gave John a standing ovation.

“I got goosebumps,” said Fraser.

“There were tears. It was amazing.

Not only was there a lot of his family members, but there was also a lot of members in the legion that night.”

Thirty-one family members attended, which included John’s nine children, 24 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

John was born in Antigonish, N.S. in 1918, less than six weeks before

the guns in Europe fell silent for the world’s first Armistice Day. He was the youngest of five children.

“Dad was sent to live in Vancouver when he was six,” said Don. “He went to St. Patrick’s until he finished Grade 9, then he was off to work.”

John was a sports enthusiast, according to Don, participating in lacrosse, football, and boxing.

“He lost his spleen to the butt end of a lacrosse stick.”

His father then signed up with the army and was sent to Vernon for basic training.

“That’s where he met my mother.

She waited three years for him to come back [from the war]. They had six boys and then adopted a girl who was a foster child. They then had two more girls. Mom passed away five years ago this November 12.”

John served in Operation Cottage, part of the Aleutian Islands campaign, in 1943. Both Canadian and American forces landed on Kiska Island only to find the Japanese had already left. But due to mines, vehicle accidents, and friendly fire – both Canadian and American forces mistook each other for Japanese troops – the landing accrued 313 casualties, 92 dead and 221 wounded.

John then went to Europe and was part of the force that invaded the German-held Netherlands.

The two medals John received are the France and Germany Star and the 1939-1945 War service medal.

“He is like a lot of soldiers,” said Don. “They don’t want to talk about [the war] much. In the past he talked a bit about the people of [the Netherlands]. He said they were very good to the Canadian soldiers.”

John lives in Langley and has been attending the Remembrance Day ceremony in Fort Langley with his family for the last six years, getting lunch all together afterwards.

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Lest We Forget

(Left) Boer War veterans in the 1950s or 1960s identified from back row, left to right: Ben Williams, John Simpson, Sam Cudman, Walter Smallwood, Imes or Ines Alfast; seated from left to right: George Bulcher, James Musgrave, and Allan Turnbull.

(Right) Otway Wilkie (left) and fellow members of his military unit kitted out for travel to South Africa.

Boer War veterans shaped Langley then after the war decided to …continued from page A1 emigrate. In 1990, he told the One of the most notable South Vancouver Sun that he flipped a African War veterans in Langley was Arthur Thomas Johnston, an coin – heads Canada, tails New Zealand. The coin came up heads, Ontarian who served there from and Ives became a farmer in Brit1901 to 1903. ish Columbia.

He was also a member of the He would raise six children with B.C. Provincial Police, but that his wife of 76 years, Kate. came after his war service.

The South African War left its Johnston came to Langley in the early 20th century and ran a gener- mark on Langley in the form of al store on the ground floor of the other settlers like Ives, as well as in the name of one of the town’s old Murrayville community hall, neighbourhoods – Milner. before it was destroyed by fire.

In 1910, a new station of the He, too, re-enlisted for the First B.C. Electric Railway Line was World War. to open near Glover Road and “Art was famous for being the 216th Street. Locals founder of the 31st debated whether the B.C. Horse, which was station should be a militia unit,” said named Berry, after a Sommer. prominent farming The mounted unit family. But schoolspent its time locally teacher William John training in MurrayMufford had read a ville and Milner, and biography of Lord rounding up citizens Milner, a British of the Austro-Hundiplomat and civil garian Empire who servant who had been were trying to leave active in South Africa Canada to return before and during the home to serve in their war. Impressed, the military, which was alMufford family voted lied with Germany. en masse for Milner, Johnston arrived Arthur Jonston (standing) and the name of a in the trenches as a man who never set major, the highest foot in Langley was ranked Langley man attached to one of its neighbourto serve in the war. He died there, in his first week, hit in the head by hoods.

One reason the war is less well a sniper’s bullet.

Many of the veterans in Langley known is that it was fought over gold, territory, and control of Afhad immigrated to Canada after rican colonies. the conflict, as Ives did.

“It was pure aggression on the A former jockey, Ives was just 19 when he joined the 1st Imperial part of the British Empire,”he said.

Yeomanry, and Victoria was still Yet in that era it was possible Queen.

A British documentary crew vis- “legally and psychologically” to be both British and Canadian, he ited him shortly before his death, but after he had made his last visit said.

“In the early 20th Century, Britto Great Britain in 1992, where he ish Columbia was the most British had tea with the Queen Mother and met Princess Diana and Mar- of the provinces.”

B.C. citizens, many recent setgaret Thatcher.

“We had plenty of veterinarians, tlers, considered themselves British subjects, at least until after the but very few doctors,” Ives said.

First World War when attitudes “A horse cost 40 pounds, so they began to change about Canada’s looked after it, but a man only independence and its relationship cost a dollar.” to Great Britain.

He served as a cavalry scout,

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