The ultimate sacrifice
Many Islanders paid with their lives in war
Gordon McNeill was one of many Islanders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
McNeill was born in P.E.I. and although his family moved to Boston when he was a child, he would spend every summer in the province.
In 1915, McNeill returned to the province, which he considered home, for a different reason.
“So he could enlist in Charlottetown and fight for Canada in the First World War, Rev. Major Tom Hamilton said during the provincial Remembrance Day ceremony at the Charlottetown cenotaph on Saturday.
McNeill was a gunner in the 2nd Siege Battery and fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He later helped support Canada’s
victory at the Battle of Hill 70.
McNeill was fighting in the battle’s final stages when he was killed by an enemy shell.
Today, he rests in Villers Station Cemetery in France.
“Gunner Gordon McNeill is one of nearly 1,000 Islanders in uniform who left these shores and never returned because they made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Hamilton.
“Let us remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. And let us remember those who never returned to Canada and those who did, suffering the physical and mental scars of war.”
Despite below freezing conditions, many attended the Charlottetown ceremony. A number of other ceremonies were also held in other communities throughout the province.
Master of ceremonies Dan Miller, of the 201 Confederation Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said it was important to recognize all veterans and honour their sacrifice every day.
He noted Canada is currently involved in about 32 active peacekeeping operations.
“The face of veterans is changing as each year there is a smaller number of veterans from the world wars who remain amongst us,” said Miller.
“Today it’s important to recognize all men who have given service in the name of their country, they served with such commitment and selfless dedication for the benefit of others around the world.”
Tannie Arsenault laid the Memorial Cross wreath.
Arsenault’s husband, Warrant Officer Keith Arsenault, was killed during a peace-keeping exercise in Alaska in January, 1989.
“It was very humbling,” said Arsenault, who represented all women who have lost a loved one while serving.
This year’s ceremony also marked the 100th anniversaries of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Battle of Passchendaele.
“These two battles played a very significant role in the course of the war and Canada paid an extremely high price,” said Miller.