Barry’s Bay Legion Branch 406 celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day with a series of moving ceremonies, all well attended by members of the local community who came together to remember those who served. While the morning’s Remembrance Day proceedings were conducted inside the Legion Hall, a Colour Guard from members of 2 Service Battalion, Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) Training Company (pictured above) remained at Rest, Reverse on Your Arms at the Cenotaph outdoors. The descendants of Anthony Puchalski and his son-in-law, Joseph Voldock, kindly donated the metal silhouette of a WWI Canadian soldier which can be seen leaning against the Cenotaph. The sculpture will be installed on a permanent plinth when the weather allows.
Legion Sergeant at Arms Tom Bryce acted as master of ceremonies. Councillor Ernie Peplinski, substituting for Mayor Kim Love who could not attend because of illness, read the names of the fallen of Barry’s Bay who fell in WWI and WWII. Reverend Darlene Cunliffe gave the benediction and blessing. Sgt. at Arms Bryce then introduced this year’s Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Helen Gutoskie, followed by introductions for the placing of the official and public wreaths. Members of 2 Service Battalion escorted the individuals who laid commemorative wreaths and they placed wreaths on behalf of those who could not send a representative. Comrade Mike Poliquin introduced each of Canada’s five defining wars as Regular Force Soldiers placed wreaths.
(From left above) Official wreaths were placed by Silver Cross Mother Mrs. Helen Gutoskie, Janet Paplinskie on behalf of the Dominion of Canada, Mrs. Betty Shalla for the Province of Ontario, Councillor Ernie Peplinski on behalf of both County of Renfrew and Township of Madawaska Valley.
During the proceedings the Madawaska Valley Girl Guides (Cheyenne Pecarski – Spark, Alexis Pecarski – Brownie, Peyton Plebon – Guide, Kesley Luckasavitch – Pathfinder) placed a wreath on behalf of the Youth of Canada. Leah Kinghorn reported on fundraising by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and presented the Girl Guides with a cheque for $100.00. The Ladies Auxiliary also presented a cheque for $2,500.00 to the Legion. Several young people of the community were involved as many local individuals, businesses and organizations placed the public wreaths. Heather Poliquin, Legion President, read A Reply to – In Flanders Fields.
Legion Ladies Auxiliary presented cheques to Madawaska Valley Girl Guides and to Legion President Heather Poliquin; Hunter Smith stands to attention after placing a wreath on behalf of The Barbershop; commemorative wreaths in Legion Hall.
Following the afternoon performance of Remember Me by the Opeongo Reader’s Theatre group at the Legion and after the Bells of Peace were rung one hundred times by churches throughout the Valley, local trumpeter Edward Battiston (below) played the Last Post at sunset outside the Legion Hall – bringing Remembrance Day 2018 to a close.
We will remember them.