Here's a brief postscript to South Delta's annual Remembrance Day ceremony held in Ladner's Memorial Park.
This was the 95th service following the unveiling of the cenotaph in 1921. We are fortunate to live in a generally peaceful part of the world and have much to be thankful for. We pay respect to soldiers who perished in battle and to our returning veterans.
There is something inspirational about a parade comprised of aging veterans with their service medals, various groups, legion members, school children, fire and police personnel, led by Delta's cadets and police pipe bands. Cadets stand on guard at the cenotaph securing the "gravesite" of 38 named Delta soldiers who gave their lives in two world wars.
Plaques have been added recognizing Canada and Delta's involvement in the Korean War, the Afghanistan conflict, and U.N. and NATO missions. The ceremony unfolds with remarks and prayers, the bugler's haunting last post, followed by sombre silence, reawakened by the uplifting sound of reveille. The service is followed by the dramatic fly over of Harvard aircraft and the traditional laying of wreaths.
A generation of young men perished in the First World War.
An estimated 150,000 Canadian and Allied soldiers died in the taking of Vimy Ridge, one of many high profile theaters of war in Europe. Cenotaphs were raised across Canada in recognition of the fallen sons whose remains never returned to Canadian soil for burial.
We give thanks to those who keep the service alive, the three levels of government with military and various agencies. Fragmented organizations were unified by the formation of the Dominion Veterans Alliance. This led to the founding of the "Canadian Legion of the British Empire League" by act of Parliament in 1926.
In time "Royal" was added, and on March 21, 1928, Ladner Branch 61 was formed. Originally located in the vacated King George High School (near the current community centre), the Ladner Legion is now in the heart of Ladner Village.
With an active membership of approximately 1,000, including 18 Second World War veterans, it is led by president Al Ridgeway, past president Jim Ingram and a ninemember board. The day-to-day operation is managed by the popular and hands-on Jacky Hillairet. Well-known Gordon Huff is the longest serving veteran member, approaching some 70 years.
The legion annually achieves its fundraising goal of $70,000. These funds are donated to local organizations from kids to seniors, hospital and hospice services and veterans groups, to name but a few that benefit from their charitable efforts.
The legion's public profile is linked to November poppy sales and its leadership role in organizing the parade and formal service led this year by veteran member Ian Estabrooks, supported by Rev. Graham Witcher along with the Delta Community Choir led by Danielle Hamilton. They were heard by thousands thanks to Delta's improved sound system. The landscape around the cenotaph has never looked better. And a good night to you, Ian and Jacky.
A fourth generation Ladnerite, Doug Husband is a former mayor of Delta.
