Decoration Day observed by Legion Br. 157

Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie (foreground, right) and Sgt.-at-Arms Tim Girard salute after laying a wreath at the Decoration Day service Sunday morning.

Veterans who did not pass away during war time and Legion members who have died in the past year were honoured last Sunday.

Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 presented its annual Decoration Day service Sunday morning at the cenotaph in King’s Navy Yard Park. 

Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie said Decoration Day is “a traditional recognition” by the Legion but “unlike Remembrance Day when we reflect on those killed  in the Great Wars, we now gather to pay our respects to those unnamed soldiers who succumbed to war-gotten injuries and illnesses, those of which are not listed on the cenotaph.”

“Further and importantly, we value the memory of our Legion members who have passed in the last year,” said Wilkie. “Let us pause to think reverently of those of our comrades who by sea, by land and in the air, laid down their lives for their sovereign and country. Their sacrifice will ever inspire us to labour on, to the end that those who survive and need our aid may be assured of assistance, and that the country in which we live, and for which they died, may be worthy of the sacrifice they made.”

A moment of silence was then held. Among those remembered are Dalton Moore, Ruth Anne Rocheleau, Norman Imeson, M. Fox, Janet Martlin, Gerald Langlois and Lloyd Bondy.

Mayor Michael Prue voiced pride in being at the ceremony, pointing out not all Legion branches do it. He said Legion Br. 157 “does what is necessary” to make sure people do not forget those who have served. 

Prue reiterated the ceremony is one that honours those who came home but suffered from injury, illness or even homelessness once they got back. He said people need to do everything they can to remember and pay tribute to those who served, noting it is “a debt that can’t be repaid.”

“This branch is dear to my heart for what you do every day,” the mayor concluded.

A pair of wreaths were laid at the cenotaph to remember those who served and for the Legion members who have passed away. Decoration Day observed by Legion Br. 157

By Ron Giofu