Remembrance and recognition went hand-in-hand for Canmore veterans last Thursday (Nov. 7), as Canada’s most decorated soldier offered praise and gratitude for their service.
Canmore Three Sisters Royal Canadian Legion Branch #3 held its Veterans Dinner and Ceremony, with the occasion marking two distinguishing events.
Several Legion members were awarded anniversary pins for their years of service and membership to the Legion and Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Ethell was present to offer local veterans his admiration for their service.
He spent time visiting and talking with various veterans and Legion members before the formal dinner and addressed members and attendees following the dinner service and ceremony.
“Her Honour and I are pleased to join you here in Canmore and to take part in this special dinner and to recognize your long outstanding Legion members. I can tell you that Canmore’s iconic Three Sisters has a special significance for Linda and I,” said Ethell.
“The picture perfect scene happens to be our favourite vista in the Rockies. In fact, Linda and I recently hosted a conference for the Lieutenant Governor General and all the Lieutenant Governors and the territorial commissioners. We were going to hold it at the Banff Springs and the Banff Centre and then the floods arrived.
“First they cancelled the train and everything else fell apart so we had to cancel and defer it. We recently had it less than a month ago in Edmonton and it was wonderful, but it was nowhere near as showcasing a province as you can in Banff and Canmore.
“However, the gift we gave our regal colleagues to take home with them was a painting of the Three Sisters and we trust that it’s a little piece of Alberta they can enjoy for years to come,” said Ethell.
He discussed the importance of this time of year for the members of the Three Sisters Legion, who were busily focused on another iconic symbol – the red poppy of remembrance.
“I certainly respect the work performed by branches like yours, not only to support veterans and their families, but also to keep the spirit of remembrance alive for all Canadians,” said Ethell. “And I’m sure you appreciate remembrance is a key component in the safeguard and essential to Canadian principles that our fallen heroes and all veterans gave so much to protect.
“Remembrance is essential because it’s a tool that allows us to share the wisdom and sacrifices of each generation with those who follow, but the collected memory of a society is a fragile thing and some aspects of history can be lost over time,” said Ethell.
“That’s why we must be vigilant to ensure that history is preserved and passed down, so that Canadians can continue to learn from the sacrifices of those who fought defending the peace, democracy and freedom we enjoy today.”
Ethell spoke of the important military milestones and anniversaries Canada will celebrate as a nation in the coming years; with one being recognized this past summer.
“In July, the 60th anniversary of The Korean War cease fire was remembered. The valour of our Canadian heroes in Korea cannot be understated and we owe it all to Korean War veterans to ensure their stories and their sacrifices live on in the hearts and minds of future generations.”
Other milestones include the 100th anniversary of the First World War. In 2015-17 the Battles of Ypres, The Somme and Vimy Ridge will be honoured. The 75th anniversary of the Second World War and the nation’s 150th anniversary will be commemorated in 2017.
