Remembrance Day Chair Mavis Williamson, on behalf of Branch 297 of the Royal Canadian Legion, spoke before more than 500 people gathered in and around Memorial Park on November 11. Williamson said we are here to “Honour, Respect and Remember,” to reflect on the sacrifices and challenges Canadian Men and Women made during two World Wars, the Korean Conflict and numerous subsequent military actions, to protect the “freedoms we Canadians enjoy today…We are here to Respect, Reflect and Remember.”
People of all ages respectfully filled the Park, while dignitaries, politicians and representatives of numerous organizations, including an American veteran, honouring Canadian’s who served in the Vietnam War, placed wreaths in memory of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect Canadian freedoms.
There was so much packed into these Remembrance Ceremonies, I chose to focus on a dozen men who had and are still serving Canada, as in spite of all of the inspirational ceremony and ritual, the real focus of the Day is their Service. Please excuse the fact that no women are represented. Their absence was not intentional, I simply I couldn’t identify a female representative. Also absent are any World II veteran’s, once again due to the fact I was unable to identity one.
Master of Ceremonies Mavis Williamson, at the podium, conducting Cornwall’s solemn Remembrance Day Ceremonies.MP Eric Duncan laying a wreath on behalf of the Canadian Government, in honour of those who served and sacrificed.Twenty year veteran Lieutenant-Commander, Alex Csank served with the Royal Canadian Navy and with the Special Services under NATO in Bosnia, on Peacekeeping missions, and in Cambodia in 1993. Csank was the recipient of the Sovereign’s Volunteer medal awarded by the Governor-General.Thirty-one year veteran Jody Stang served with the SD & G Highlanders and PPCLI in Croatia, Bosnia, Cyprus and Afghanistan. Twenty year veteran, Sergeant Rick Payette served with the Royal Canadian Regiment in Bosnia, Slovakia and Cyprus. SD & G Highlander Warrant Officer Shawn Stoness has served 22 years, which included a tour of duty in Afghanistan and he provided training in Jordan.– SD & G Highlander, Master Warrant Officer Martin Sabourin has seen 22 years service, including a tour in Afghanistan.Retired Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Poirier served with the Airborne Medical Corps. He joined the military as a cadet in 1952 and retired in 1991. He served across Canada, and Cyrpus.SD & G Highlander Corporal Steph Denis served with the Canadian Border Patrol through the 1990s and during the 1990 Akwesasne evacuation.Thirty year veteran, Warrant Officer George Hayward served with the RCAF in the US and took two tours of duty throughout the Cold war in Germany from 1965 – 68, and 1984 – 88.Veteran Jerry Szemborn, wasn’t able to join the regular forces due to poor eyesight, but served as Second-Lieutenant in Cornwall’s Sea Cadets for seven years, and conducted basic training in Sydney, N.S.Twenty year veteran, Petty Officer Frist Class, Dick Budge, served in Somalia, the Gulf War and around the world.Five year veteran, Leading Seaman Robert Lamoureux served with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Korean Conflict.30 year veteran, Sergeant Gerry Orlando served with the 5th Royal Artillery LC., 1st Division, 5th Brigade from Valcartier and in Afghanistan, Haiti and Cyprus.
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