A contingent of Canadian Rangers from 12 First Nations from Northern Ontario participated in a prominent Remembrance Day ceremony in Toronto on November 11.
Wearing their distinctive red jackets and combat pants, they attracted a lot of curious attention from many in the large crowd at the Ontario Veterans Memorial in front of the main entrance to Queen’s Park. The memorial, a 30-metre-long granite wall, has scenes on it of the Canadian military’s role in peace and war since 1867. When the Rangers explained their role as part-time army reservists in the province’s Far North and their involvement in search and rescue missions, evacuations for floods and forest fires, and other emergencies many people shook their hands and thanked them for their military service to their communities and Canada.
After the Remembrance ceremony the Rangers were invited to a reception in Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell’s vice regal suit in the Legislature, where they met both her and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
“I found the ceremony very interesting,” said Corporal Joe Lazarus of Kashechewan. “I never expected to meet the Lieutenant-Governor and the Premier.”
“It was an experience to see all the army, navy, air force, cadets, and all the people at the wall,” said Sergeant Charlie Linklater of Sandy Lake. “This has been a very interesting experience.”
It was the first time Rangers have been to a Remembrance Day ceremony in Toronto. The ceremony this year observed the centennial anniversary of the end of the First World War and was the culmination of a 12-day training visit to the south. In addition to the ceremony at Queen’s Park they attended a ceremony on November 5 in a Burlington cemetery where school children places poppies and Canadian flags on the graves of veterans. They also visited a school in Burlington where they were peppered with questions about their lives in the Far North.
On November 9 they took part in a Remembrance Day ceremony at Rama First Nation where they drew media attention. “They gave us a great welcome,” Corporal Lazarus said, “and there was a lot of interest in who we are and what we do.”
On November 8, Aboriginal Veterans Day, the Rangers were the centre of attention at an big event at Canadian Forces Base Borden that celebrated the 25th anniversary of the founding of what is now the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, which commands the 570 Rangers In 25 Northern Ontario First Nations.
“We thought we were coming south for the 25th anniversary,” Corporal Lazarus said, “and we never thought we were going to be doing all these other things. It has been an experience.”
(Sergeant Peter Moon is the public affairs ranger for the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at CFB Borden.)
Remembrance Day Weather Update: Chilly Start with Flurry Chances
As of 5:30 am in Sioux Lookout, the temperature is minus 3°C under cloudy skies. Early this morning, there’s a 30 percent chance of flurries. Winds are light, up to 15 km/h. The day’s high is expected to be minus 2°C, but the wind chill will make it feel like minus 12°C in the morning and slightly warmer at minus 6°C in the afternoon. The UV index is low.
Dress for the Cold: Residents should wear warm, layered clothing, including a hat, gloves, and a scarf, to protect against the chilly wind.
Tonight’s Forecast: Continuing Cloudiness with Cold Temperatures
The weather remains cloudy tonight, with winds staying up to 15 km/h. The low is predicted to be minus 6°C, and the wind chill will feel like minus 7°C in the evening, dropping to minus 12°C overnight.
Sunday Outlook: Cloudy with Early Flurries and Freezing Drizzle
Sunday in Sioux Lookout will be cloudy with a few flurries beginning early in the morning. There’s also a risk of freezing drizzle. Snowfall might total around 2 cm. Winds will become southward at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h in the morning, bringing a high of plus 1°C. The morning wind chill is expected to feel as cold as minus 9°C.
Travel Advisory: Drivers should exercise caution, especially in the morning due to the risk of freezing drizzle and early flurries. Variable wind and temperature conditions may affect road safety.
Staying Safe and Prepared: Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and dress suitably for the cold and changing conditions. Preparing homes and vehicles for winter conditions is essential for safety, particularly with the upcoming mix of flurries and potential freezing drizzle.
