O Canada led by Sue

 

Al welcomed everyone to the meeting

 

Mayor Sandra Snow brought greetings from 14 Wing Greenwood and extended thanks for commemorating Nov 11^th in this special meeting.

 

 

Sue is happy about the US election results.

 

Rick is selling calendars for the Historical Society, featuring KCA. They make great stocking stuffers at Christmas. Only $15

 

Garth is happy to have his daughter home for a visit.

 

 

 

 

Bill welcomed Zoomers and guest Catherine Silver. He reminded us how lucky we are to be in a part of the world with minimal COVID infections at this time. Please remain vigilant and follow health protocols.

 

Changes to our program from earlier posts: Nov 16^th will be a club meeting and Nov 30 will be guest Paige Meisner (2019 outgoing International Exchange Student). Nov 23 is our AGM and Charter night. You are reminded to sign up on line for in-person at Paddy’s. They will need these numbers in advance for preparations. Zoomers will be given a separate registration/sign-up.

 

Reminder that Shelley F. has put out a challenge to the four Valley Clubs (Kentville, New Minas, Wolfville and Mud Creek) to raise funds for Polio. November is Rotary Foundation Month – please consider giving $10 (less than the cost of one meal) towards the eradication of Polio. You can donate directly by going online to Rotary.org and follow the donate button or Shelley will collect it on your behalf.

 

Chase the Ace – Lucky ticket “522” belonged to Sandra Snow. She drew the two of spades….. another Roll-Over.

 

Secretary’s Report:  Nothing new to report.

 

Illnesses: None to report. Phyllis did mention we had received thanks from Bob Lancashire’s family for the card of sympathy on the passing of his wife Audrey.

 

 

Past President Report (Phil): 2019-20 Committee chairs should be prepared to present a report at the AGM. Anyone interested in serving on the Board should reach out to Phil.

 

The Polio Tulip campaign raised US$140,000 between the two districts (when all matching funds were added).

 

 

Rotary Foundation Minute: (Phil) WHAT THE ARCHITECT OF THE ROTARY FOUNDATION HAD TO SAY:

 

Arch C. Klumph, President of Rotary International, 1916-1917

 

 

Al Mutch introduced the Remembrance Day program. Garth, needing no introduction to our club graciously accepted the invitation to recount a few of his personal connections and reflections on Remembrance.

 

 

“Who will you remember?” For each of us our connection to Remembrance is different and for many, it is personal. We remember those who have fallen for our freedom. Garth’s family have a long history of service, his mother and father, his in-laws and many more are veterans.

 

Peter Charles Edwards (Garth's uncle) served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Today this photo represents all who we remember. Their service, their sacrifice and our freedom.

 

Many seldom speak of the war. Garth recalled a few of the stories from his family. Garth himself served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 7 years. He had 14 comrades give the ultimate sacrifice during that time. He spoke of each of the sacrifices. In one case he mentioned his commander which for a period of time (3 years) during World War II, had been pronounced dead, when in fact he was very much alive.

 

A week before Gail and Garth were married, a crew of four were flying over the water when the plane went down. The two in the front survived, however the two in the back did not.

 

The last co-pilot Garth flew with in 1969 died 2 years later when the aircraft he was in wound up in the water. In this case there were two onboard, one survived and one did not.

 

How do you measure the cost of all the people who lost their lives for our freedom? By the successes of survivors?

 

He painted a very strong image of a burial at sea… seeing the body drop into the water, followed by a wreath and then watching the wreath fade from view as the boat continues on its way (as is customary for burials at sea). And most recently, the news of the Cyclone Helicopter accident that occurred during COVID, affected Garth deeply.

 

Let us take a moment to remember some of our own Rotarians who have served: Nat James, George baker, Lawrence Caldwell, Bill Hockey, K. Leroy Taylor, and also (not a Rotarian, but certainly well known in the community) Dave Waterbury

 

These are just a few of the people Garth will be thinking about at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month this year. Due to COVID, this year will not be like any Remembrance in recent history. Please take time on Wednesday to honor all those who have sacrificed so we can live in freedom.

 

Who will you remember?

 

 

Peter thanked Garth for his reflections and personalizing Remembrance Day with recounts of his family’s service, present and past Rotarians from our club and prominent local Business men that many of us would know.