6 minute read
Remembrance Day Preparations
RCL Branch No. 39 First Poppy Presentation
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 39 Poppy Chair Nicole Lakusta and President Terry Kuzyk presented the first official poppy to the Mayor of Vegreville Tim MacPhee for the First Poppy Presentation at Vegreville Council Chambers on October 27.
Kuzyk said, “The First Poppy Presentation reflects what they do on the National Stage. In Ottawa, for Dominion Command, they have the tradition of presenting the first poppy to Canada’s Governor General to commence the Poppy Campaign for the year. So, we are reflecting on a local level to kick off the RCL Branch No. 39 Poppy Campaign and include the Town of Vegreville so they get the poppy first and, after this we distribute the poppies everywhere.”
RCL Branch No. 39 Veterans Appreciation Lunch
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
There were 44 attendees at the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch No. 39 Veterans Appreciation Lunch at the Legion Hall on Nov. 3.
This event began with Mistress of Ceremonies Comrade Rhonda Hayduk welcoming everyone and introducing the head table of attendees which included: Rev. Blondin, President Terry Kuzyk, County of Minburn Reeve Roger Konieczny, Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee and Soldier First Class Cory Ketchum.
Following this, Kuzyk stated that the RCL Branch No. 39 has been here to support and look after the veterans from the beginning of World War I and all the conflicts ever since whether it is to help veterans get medical support or even to have comradeship with their veterans’ partners and their families. “This time of the year is important because we collect funds to support those veterans we look after all year long.”
Comrade Rod Stewart and Soldier First Class Cody Ketchman presented the Toast to Fallen Comrades. For this, Stewart explained, “The Fallen Comrade Table is round to show our everlasting concern for our fallen comrades. The tablecloth is white representing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose in the vase signifies the blood that many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our fallen comrades who keep the faith while awaiting their return.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, representing the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by the families of those who have sacrificed all.
The lit candle is reminiscent of the light of hope that lives on in our hearts, even in the absence of our fallen comrades. The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time. The chair is empty because they are no longer with us.
Let us remember and never forget their sacrifice.”
After this, Rev. Laureta Blondin said grace. The delightful lunch was catered by the RCL Branch No. 39 Ladies Auxiliary and crew.
Rhonda Hayduk read greetings from MP Shannon Stubbs. Comrade Diane Lydom read greetings on behalf of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk. Mayor MacPhee offered a message and County of Minburn Reeve Konieczny brought greetings.
Hayduk introduced guest speaker Sailor First Class Cory Ketchman. “Ketchman has served 21 years, 18 years with the Canadian Army and three years with the Navy.”
Ketchman then presented a Slideshow from National Veterans Week which read: “This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice, which brought an end to the fight.
Throughout the war, members of the Canadian military made many important contributions.
Today, we also mark the 75th Anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping. Canada has a long tradition of standing up for peace and security around the world and has played a key role in the evolution of peacekeeping. Since 1948, more than 125,000 Canadian peacekeepers have been deployed.”
Ketchman stated, “I am proud to be a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. There are many ways you can carry on the torch of remembrance with us. You can listen to the stories of our veteran soldiers, sailors, and aviators, and share them with others. You can attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in your community.
You can wear a poppy over your heart. Recognize those who made it home. And remember those who did not. Lest we forget.”
A Time to Honour Veterans
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Canada’s courageous heroes were honoured for their service in the Canadian Armed Forces as well as emergency services at the Remembrance Day Ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic High School on Nov. 3.
The ceremony began with Principal Jim Salsbury welcoming everyone. Assistant Principal Darby Murphy led the attendees in the singing of O Canada. This was followed by the School Chaplain Mark Kobelsky saying that Remembrance Day is an important event in the Canadian calendar and is an opportunity to give meaning to past sacrifices and acknowledge the courage of those presently serving.
“Each year, on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, time stands still for a moment. We gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools, and homes to remember those who died, not for war, but for a world that would be free and at peace.
Canada remains one of the best countries in the world in which to live. We are blessed with a land rich in resources, with many freedoms and opportunities, the ability to participate in the democratic process, and a comparatively high standard of living. Students do need to learn about their past.
The Medak Pocket has been called ‘Canada’s forgotten battle’. In 1993, Canadian peacekeepers serving in the former Yugoslavia not only mounted a successful defense against attacking Croatian forces but also gathered evidence to assist international war crimes investigations.
This is why it is important to wear the poppy; to remember those who have served and who are serving today. But above all, we must remember those who did not return. Together, it is our duty to pass on the legacy and keep the memories of our Canadian Veterans alive. Even if we were not there, we cannot let the memories of those who were, fade like whispers in the wind. Their stories are our history,” stated Kobelsky.
Father Robert Lee recited a couple of readings before delivering a short homily.
After this, Honoured Guest Vegreville Resident Warrant Officer Rick Tourigny fielded a few questions from students.
