Warm Hearts Overcome Cold Remembrance Day Weather

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The faces of Canada - Veterans represent the best of our country
The faces of Canada - Veterans represent the best of our country
The faces of Canada - Veterans represent the best of our country
The faces of Canada – Veterans represent the best of our country

Remembrance Day in Thunder Bay 2013

THUNDER BAY – Remembrance Day takes on a special meaning as each year passes. The numbers of surviving veterans from World War Two and the Korean War are slowly declining as age takes its toll.

Today in Thunder Bay, large crowds at all the Remembrance Day Services were the rule. Thousands were out at Fort William Gardens. Hundreds at Waverley Park, and large numbers up on the mountain at Fort William First Nation.

The cold weather didn’t stop people from coming out to share their support and thanks with veterans and their families.

Fort William Gardens Service

Large crowds gathered in cold weather and chilling winds at Waverley Park
Large crowds gathered in cold weather and chilling winds at Waverley Park

 

Remembrance Day at Fort William Gardens
Remembrance Day Service at Fort William Gardens.

 

Remembrance Day 2013
Cold Winds were overcome by warm hearts at the Waverley Park Services

Cathy Banning ( mc and organizer) and Kateri Skaarup (her helper) holding a picture of her late Grandfather, WWII Veteran Frank Banning, the Founder of the Mt McKay service. Remembering the Fallen Warriors at Fort William First Nation. Photo by Melanie Laforest
Cathy Banning ( mc and organizer) and Kateri Skaarup (her helper) holding a picture of her late Grandfather, WWII Veteran Frank Banning, the Founder of the Mt McKay service. Remembering the Fallen Warriors at Fort William First Nation. Photo by Melanie Laforest

Kateri Skaarup shares, “Approximately 350 people made the long winding, Beautiful trek up Mt McKay this morning (on a newly paved road I might add) to brave the cold harsh winds in Honor of Our Veterans. The beating of the drums and firing of the guns were a part of the ceremony that paid tribute to All Veterans but with special focus to Our Aboriginal Ones- wreaths were laid by Family Members, Multiple First Nation Communities including Fort William First Nation and numerous organizations- the service grows each year with more and more taking part.

Councillor Aldo Ruberto attended the FWFN Services, and Greg Snider laid a wreath in remembrance of injured workers.

“We will continue to Honor those who have sacrificed for us for as long as this mountain is here,” said Kateri Skaarup following the service.

 

Saluting the Veterans with honour at Fort William Gardens
Saluting the Veterans with honour at Fort William Gardens

 

Remembrance Day Services in Thunder Bay - 2013
Remembrance Day Services in Thunder Bay – 2013

Youth helped power the Shaw Cable 10 taping of the Remembrance Day Service at Fort William Gardens.
Youth helped power the Shaw Cable 10 taping of the Remembrance Day Service at Fort William Gardens.

The numbers of veterans from the major wars of the 20th Century might be dwindling, however the feeling of support and admiration for those who defended our freedoms continues to grow.

This was the third year that NetNewsLedger broadcast the Remembrance Day Services from Fort William Gardens. It is our pleasure to bring the service to you, and to record it for history.

The efforts of our brave soldiers, air crews, and sailors that we all remember and honour deserve everything we can give them as our thanks for their service.

Lest we forget!

James Murray

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