Last Sunday I had the honour and privilege to par take in a dedication ceremony at Remembrance Park in Georgetown. I would guess that there were close to a 200 people at the cenotaph. How many times have you gone to a Remembrance Day Ceremony and listen to the names being read of the Cenotaph of our fallen soldiers but wondered how old they were or where they were killed?
The Dutch Canadian Remembrance Committee spear headed by Martin Boomsma and Tommy Shenk along with John Blaauwendraat, Rein Pater and Nell Ramakers had a vision to put up two story boards that will give a history on each one of our brave soldiers. They have on them their dog tag numbers, the name, their age and where they lost their life.
I was on hand with most of our councillors along with M.P. Mike Chong and M.P.P. Ted Arnott. The Georgetown Royal Canadian Legion color party was also there. It was an emotional ceremony. It was a special day they unveiled the plaques. Someone like me who is a baby boomer never really know about war. Oh yea, I read history books and seen many movies. Now with the struggles in Afghanistan it hits home. The bodies of our young soldiers returned in coffins is real. The imagines on Television are real not fiction.
Mike Chong gave a great perspective as his mother was Dutch and and his father was Chinese and he spoke of the liberation of our Canadian troops in the second World War.
Over a 110,000 brave Canadians paid the ultimate sacrifice. We must remember them, if we do not, the sacrifice of the thousands of Canadians lives lost will be meaningless. They died for our freedom and to preserve our way of life.
Today are forces continue to stand on guard to help aid in world conflicts to peaceful resolutions.
The Sunday ceremony was also a day to reflect on our grandparents, maybe great grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters who have in the past or are presently serving our country.
It was also a day to thank our veterans. There were some on hand for the touching ceremony. Once again, our Dutch Canadian Remembrance Committee are to congratulated for taking such a great initiative.
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