Official Remembrance Ceremony of new tulip garden at the Richmond legion

Blue skies and pale sunshine helped turn the Marjorie Lancaster Memorial Garden inauguration ceremony at the Legion Branch 15 into a memorable event on Saturday, May 13. With a brilliant display of hundreds of red and white tulips donated through the Canada’s 150th anniversary Garden project.

"Marjorie had already entered this Legion into the government sponsored project which encouraged development of similar projects across the nation," explained Debbie Knowles, president at this branch. Lancaster, whose support and tireless energy for community groups such as the Women's Institute, local schools, to name just a couple, had, over the years, recognized this committed volunteer with several awards as well as the Lieutenant Governor's Silver medal. Her sudden passing is still keenly felt by all who knew her.

Saturday's ceremonies included a full Remembrance Service complete with marching on the colors, (flags), prayers, hymns, the Last Post and Moment of Silence. The Lancaster family were proud to unveil a stone memorial to their mother and townsfolk assembled for the occasion will long remember the hundreds of silently bowing the bright red and white tulips in full bloom.

Vicki, Scott and Heidi, daughters and son of Marjorie Lancaster were present for the ceremony. Also present were Melbourne Township Mayor James Johnston and Ulverton councillor Robert Belanger, Alain Rayes, Federal Conservative deputy was represented by Antoine Tardif. "We are very proud of our new garden and especially of the stone memorial to our past president. She was a long-time member of this Legion, always ready to help wherever needed and was one of the first female Legion presidents in the country and definitely the first here. We still miss her greatly," commented Debbie Knowles, President.