On November 6th, 2018 the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club took the day to remember Canada's military history.
Robert Morrow – Opening Remarks – Robert developed todays Remembrance meeting to involve many members of our club. Bob highlighted a portion of the agenda where club members would be invited to share what Remembrance Day means to them and to share family stories of serving in our military.
Erin Holl – Erin shared an excerpt from a poem by Laurence Binyon.
Bill Armstrong – The importance of Remembrance – This year marks the 100th anniversary of remembrance Day. Every year we as Canadians stop to remember the 2,300,000 Canadians who have served. The Legions annual Poppy Fund sells Poppies throughout our community. Proceeds from the sale go to support seniors homes in our community many of which are home to Veterans or spouses of Veterans. Some of the proceeds also go to other worthy causes in our community.
Ralph Montasanto – Rotary Peace Initiative – Rotarians are known for waging peace throughout the world. Rotary clubs still support their troops when they are needed but strive to promote peace throughout the world.
Kathy Straub – Kathy shared the poem High Flight by John Gillespie Magee Jr.
Club Member Remembrance
The club took a moment to share some of our own stories.
- Bill – Bill’s Father and Father-in-law both served. Bill’s Wife’s Brother-in-law was killed in liberation of Holland.
- Phil – Phil’s father was a tail gunner…one of the most dangerous jobs in the Airforce. …his uncle Jim fought in northern Africa and into Europe.
- Paul – Paul’s Father-inlaw was in the 1st World War and was a gunner. Paul shared his Officer Declaration Paper with club along with a picture of his father-inlaw in full military uniform (pic attached). Paul was personally a member of the Royal Air Force volunteer force.
- Bruce – Bruce’ Grandfather James Eccles fought in World War 1. On October 19, 1918 he was wounded in the back by an exploding bomb.
- Dave – Dave’s mother was in active service at the age of 19. She was a radar operator. Dave recalls stories of wounded troops returning from battle and solemn precessions marching through her home town.
- Derrick… - Derrick was born in the early part of the second world war…his father was in the Royal Airforce.
- Ralph – Ralph reflected back on his trip to Europe where he and Barb visited military cemeteries. Ralph says these cemeteries where absolutely beautiful! As a teacher Ralph read In Flanders Fields. He reflected on a visit to one cemetery after purchasing a copy of In Flanders Fields. As he sat at a grave side…it was an emotional experience not knowing any of those buried. It was a challenge to get through the reading without emotions catching up with him.
- Kathy Starodub – Kathy read In Flanders Fields to the club.
Bob Morrow – Bob talked about the song “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda”. He encouraged club members to sit and read the words that make up this song and to reflect on those who served.
Erin Hall – Remembrance
Club meeting ended with all of us singing Oh Canada!
