A tribute to heroes
Posted By ANTHONY DIXON
Updated 3 months ago
While it began as a traditional ceremony of remembrance, the Veterans Affairs Canada Veterans Appreciation Day ended in a non-traditional way - a fashion show.
In this case, the runway was not traversed by models sporting the latest in haute couture. This runway was a walk through Canadian military fashion beginning with the war of 1812.
The fashion show was one of the new additions this year to the continually expanding celebration of veterans that Veterans Affairs holds during Veterans Week.
Titled Walking Through the Ages Showcase, the ceremony included a remembrance ceremony, musical interludes, poetry, the fashion show, and both military and museum displays.
About 250 people attended the event held at the Pembroke Mall. This year, instead of being held in the mall hallway, it was held inside a large, unoccupied store space.
Officials with Veterans Affairs said the location was absolutely wonderful in that it was open and accessible to the public while still possessing the feeling of being set aside for a special occasion.
From veterans to school children, all sat side by side, united in their respect to those that fought and died to preserve Canadian freedom and to win back freedom for those who could not do it by themselves. The formal act of remembrance was conducted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 72 Pembroke.
"Every year we think of our veterans of the first and second world wars and of Korea, but please, we have to give our hearts to our troops in Afghanistan," implored Branch 72 president Bob Denault.
He said the Canadian Forces is using its training and experience to bring hope to a country ravaged by war, and that has changed hands many times over the years.
"I think it is so important to have these kinds of ceremonies, not just for veterans, but also for school children," said Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski. "It is important that our young people have a chance to participate in events like this."
Mr. Yakabuski said we should take more time throughout the year to remember those people who made the supreme sacrifice at locations like Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Korea and Afghanistan.
"So many paid the price for us," he said. "There is nothing we can do to repay them, but we can honour them and that is what we do today."
MP Cheryl Gallant was not in attendance, but was represented by George Abdallah.
He said organizations like the Legion and Veterans Affairs keep the spirit of remembrance alive by not letting tradition and protocol slip by the way side. He said future generations should never be allowed to forget the sacrifices made at sea, in air and on land by Canadian soldiers in the two world wars, Korea, and in peacekeeping missions around the world.
CFB Petawawa commanding officer Lt.-Col. Keith Rudderham said the peace and freedom Canadians enjoy is the legacy left to us by our veterans. He said when Canada goes to war, it is not to take over foreign territory but to help the helpless and assist those who cannot help themselves.
Veterans Affairs district director Kim Ray said the organization is working towards engaging youth and is doing so through events like the showcase.
"It is gratifying to see so many people here today. Gatherings like this remind us of the great debt that we owe," she said.
She said Canadians have answered the call, every time the world has called upon them to act.
"Freedom is not free. It has never been free. Freedom comes at a great price, a price marked the headstone of each fallen hero,"Ms. Ray said. "It is our duty not to take this for granted. We must keep the torch of remembrance burning brightly for future generations."
The fashion show included everything from military uniforms from the war of 1812 on, to civilian garb sported by heroic Canadian icons like Laura Secord. A highlight for many was the appearance of "Rosie the Riveter" in the fashion show. Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon from the Second World War. She represents women who worked in the war factories, producing munitions, vehicles, and materials.
"Rosie" also struck a chord with Rosemary Hefforn who attended Friday's ceremony. She was born in England in 1944. Her father Ken Pickford was a tool and die maker who, during the war, spent his days plying his trade and his nights manning anti-aircraft guns. During those same years, her mother Rose Pickford, went to work for Vikers-Armstrongs aircraft, working her way up to be -yes - a riveter actually named Rose. The thought still brings a smile to Rosemary's face.
"Everything was very well done. People like Rosie, like my mother, are really the unsung heroes. It was their work that allowed the men to go to war. It's important to remember the vets, but in order for them to be there (in the field of battle) there were a lot of normal people in the background who never seem to get recognized," Ms. Hefforn said.
Anthony Dixon is a Daily Observer reporter
