Lest We Forget

This past Monday, November 11, it was my honour to once again act as Master of Ceremonies for the Nanaimo Remembrance Day ceremony held at the downtown cenotaph. A large crowd was on hand, and many others watched the event on Rogers TV. Fortunately, the weather cooperated with only a brief sprinkling of rain. My thanks to organizers of the event from Branch 10 and Branch 256 Royal Canadian Legions, led by presidents Jason Lott and Laurie Grubb. Parade marshall was Mike Tomashiro from Br.256, and sergeant at arms was Al MacLellan. Archdeacon Brian Evans was in attendance, along with singer Samantha Cashmore, bugler David Bamford, and pipe major William Alderson from Pacific Gael. Also taking part as they do every year were members of the Nanaimo Concert Band, led by president Tracy Harvey and director of music Dr. John Churchley. The wreath-laying portion of the ceremony was coordinated by Lynn Redekopp and Abby Matthews from Br.10. Thanks to the efforts and cooperative efforts of the above and many others the event went off smoothly, reminding our citizens of the sacrifice made for the freedoms we enjoy. We will remember them.