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What better way to open our 2006 exhibit: “Thanks and Honour: Medals, Ranks and Tributes to Soldiers and other Heroes” than with veterans (donning their medals and honours) on parade!
On Saturday June 3 rd, 2006 , led by our faithful piper Charles Meanwell, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 6 Colour Party, veterans were paraded into the tented area where community applause welcomed them. Youth from The Billy Bishop Air Cadets -167 Squadron and Navy League Cadets of Canada-Achilles Squadron #34 from Guelph , Ontario were a welcome parade addition. Major Shellington of Land Forces Central Training Area Centre (LFCTAC) reviewed the cadets. Trumpeter Leverne Spencer of the Salvation Army played the Last Post and Reveille as we observed a minute of Silence.
Reverend David Shearman gave thanks for the service of the veterans, prayed for present military personnel, and for peace.
WWII veterans Barb Uttley and John Warrilow briefly shared personal reflections about how they have felt being honoured in various ways over the years. Both said they are proud to be veterans. They mentioned various Billy Bishop Heritage Museum and Legion programs and activities that have acknowledged and thanked them for their service and said they appreciated those efforts. Both veterans have been honoured through the Billy Bishop Heritage Museum ’s annual Honouring our Local Veteran program.
John told about meeting the Queen in October of 2002 when she presented the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (his regiment) with new colours. Meeting Queen Elizabeth II was a “proud day”, Warrilow said. Major Shellington spoke of honours military personnel still receive, and the pride in being recognized for service. A unique way of honouring veterans during 2005 Year of the Veteran took place when Barb (along with Alex Twaddle) dropped the puck at an OHL Attack hockey game during Remembrance Week 2005 (arranged by the Museum).
Although the skies initially looked grey, the sun came out and visitors enjoyed a BBQ (fundraiser) on the museum lawn, experienced the Barnstormer display, viewed the private collection of Billy Bishop enthusiast Thomas Pratt, visited with veterans, and took in the new exhibit.
The exhibit, “Thanks and Honour: Medals, Ranks and Tributes to Soldiers and other Heroes” is an opportunity for the community to learn about the medals and ranks and tributes awarded to veterans ofWWI and WWII and the Korean War. Text throughout this exhibit explains the history and significance of medals and includes information about the different ranks in the military. In the first two days 376 visitors enjoyed the new exhibit.
Thanks to the Best Western Inn on the Bay who assisted with exhibit sponsorship, and we also thank and acknowledge Veteran Affairs who sponsored the Opening Ceremonies.
We hope to enhance this exhibit by i ncorporating personal stories from veterans, soldiers and their families. If you have s tories o f how the government (ours and others), local community, neighbours and friends have thanked you or another veteran over the years , we would like to hear from you.
Click on any of the images below for larger versions. (Will open a pop up window in your browser - close the window to return here)
2006 Event
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We are in the process of planning our event for 2007. It will be held the first weekend in June. Details will be posted as confirmed.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
For information, call the Billy Bishop Heritage Museum
Contact:
Billy
Bishop Heritage Museum
948 3rd Avenue West,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 4P6
Tel: (519)
371-0031
Fax (519) 371-5310
Email: info@billybishop.org
Billy Bishop Heritage Day has been made possible in part by our sponsors:
