We will not forget!
Posted by Linda Schuyler on Nov 07, 2016
WE WILL NOT FORGET! WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!
For more than 30 years, the Rotary Club of St. Marys has hosted the annual Veterans dinner. Rotarian Ray Bennett has been the event coordinator for most of those years. When our club first hosted the Veterans dinner, there were approximately 50 local veterans attending. Sadly, with the aging of our veterans and their failing health, we were only able to honour 9 veterans this evening.
It has been our practice for members to pick up the veterans and return them to their homes after an evening of good entertainment and an excellent meal. It is one way that we can say thank you to them for their sacrifices.
Two minutes of silence was observed in memory of those who have perished followed by the Last Post. Rotarian Ray Bennett read the name, rank and branch of service for the attending veterans.
This year was no exception. Our caterer, Janice Mitchell, served a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Frank St. Germain played piano, told jokes and led a sing along. The veterans were in good voice and seemed to thoroughly enjoy singing old tunes of their youth. Chum Hammond and George Hales shared stories with the group. I saw many heads nodding as the veterans remembered similar stories.
This year our club decided to donate a children's book to the St. Marys Public Library in honour of our veterans who attended tonight. Each veteran was given a presentation booklet which included a picture of the book selected for them, a bookplate with their name recognition, information about the book and author along with any editorial book reviews. A sample book cover and recognition bookplate follows:
This annual dinner is our favourite event. We are so humbled by their bravery and courage and so thankful for their safe return to their families and community.
To see more photos, please click on 'Read More'.
