On Remembrance Day there was a massive turnout at the cenotaph in Ladner's Memorial Park on the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
The service took on added significance with the recent fatal shooting of Cpl. Cirillo standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa and the deliberate fatal hit and run incident seriously injuring a second member of Canada's armed forces. These tragic and senseless acts have forever altered security levels at our federal and provincial institutions.
The local scene was a mixture of families, friends and local citizens. Front and centre was our high profile police pipe band supported by Delta's finest and the RCMP in dress uniform. The parade was replete with marching cadets and various youth organizations, highlighted by our local legionnaires and veterans.
No matter the number of memorial services we attend in respectful silence, the Second World War planes flying overhead raise the emotion level in the crowd for those who sacrificed life and limb so long ago. None of us will ever fully understand their living hell while under siege in the air, on the beaches of Europe or the horror of trench warfare. The formal service ends with the optimistic bugler's reveille, the soldiers signal to rise to a new day and carry on with renewed vigour and energy.
On a lighter note, on Nov. 10, Delta celebrated its 135th birthday, albeit with little fanfare. Happy Birthday, Delta!
November has been a busy and eventful month. Thirty-two per cent of eligible voters turned out on a pleasant Nov. 15 day for our civic election. Few expected the percentage to be as high without the attraction of a competitive mayoral contest.
The unbeatable veteran Lois Jackson was returned by acclamation as mayor for her sixth and (some say) last term in office. Her worship will have a well-seasoned council to work with as all incumbents were returned, along with Heather King, a former councillor.
Congratulations to all those returning to the council chambers for a four-year term. To those unsuccessful on their first foray into the world of public service, remember it takes time, and hard work and an organized team, to garner name recognition and public support.
Several long-serving councillors have met with success after numerous attempts to public office. Prime examples are poll-topping Sylvia Bishop and Jeannie Kanakos a close second. While on the topic of poll toppers, kudos to Laura Dixon, the able chair of Delta's school board, as top vote getter.
In many ways the election of school trustees was more fractious with the efforts by the Delta Teachers' Association and CUPE to influence the election outcome by endorsing only one incumbent. This tactic seems to be carry over from the best-forgotten strike/lockout of months past.
It's unfortunate that Donna Burke, a highly regarded trustee, was the only incumbent to lose her seat. Newcomers Rhiannon Bennett and Bruce Reid were elected, filling the vacancy left by retiring three-term Simon Truelove, who served with distinction.
Thanks to all those well-meaning citizens taking their first nervous steps into public service.
And a good night to you, Dale.
