Remembrance Day in Richmond
In spite of a biting breeze, which took the warmth out of a sunny day, Legionnaires, local organizations and a large crowd of spectators turned out for the traditional Last Post ceremonies Sunday afternoon at Parc des Souvenirs in Richmond.
With flags lowered for the Last Post, laying of wreaths, prayer in both languages and a triple row of legionnaires in parade dress, the importance of remembering casualties and veterans of WWI, WWII, Vietnam and Afghanistan seemed to be the priority of this chilly afternoon which included youngsters with their own hand-crafted poppies and crosses, ready to place their handiwork on the steel fence, a fitting final decoration to our war heroes.
Earlier on Sunday, the Legion members gathered at Foyer Wales Home, with the same ceremony presented at 11 a.m. sharp, continuing a tradition begun decades ago.
Also last week, with students of St Francis Elementary School presenting a stage-presentation of poppies and crosses, crafted by the students themselves, animating the poem, 'In Flanders Fields' set the mood for the Legion's Last Post ceremony.
Once again, a few days before Armistice weekend, the Legion members travelled to Durham Sud, another annual tradition for this branch, where every student from the francophone Ecole Primaire with their own version of handcrafted wreaths turned out together at this village's monument where the names of the two war casualties are listed.
Saturday evening the annual Veterans' banquet brought members, veterans and local folk together to toast the local heroes who never returned, honor the veterans who did make it home and award the Legionnaire of the year awards to a regular member and a member of the Ladies Auxilliary. This year’s selections were Brian Mastine and Lucie Whittingstall, both with longstanding years of service at this branch. Service pins were also awarded with the longest service pin awarded to Elsie Dunn for her sixty years of membership.
Tuesday this week, once again, the traditional ceremony will be presented at Richmond Regional High School where students have prepared a dramatic presentation of their own, written and produced by themselves with a helping hand from staff when needed. Winners in the traditional poster competitions will also be announced and prizes awarded at this event.
Election and installation of officers is coming up on Nov. 26 and all members are encouraged to attend. This branch 15 has been in place for 90 years and with the welfare of local veterans and their family their priority, supporting schools with bursaries, the Christmas campaign and several other organizations. Their continued community support through memberships and collaboration at the branch level is always dependent on local encouragement.