Ceremonies across canada were well attended despite the Cold Rainy Snowy weather. Well done Canada as Gen Hillier said more Canadians, gathered to honour veterans both past and present. Here on this Red Isle I was happy to see our Minister of Defense attending not one but 4 Cenotaph events Malpeque, Freetown, Rustico and Kensington. I had the opportunity for 30 minutes of the Ministers time and he answered many of my questions I have about the Afghan Mission.
Minister MacKay photographed last week in Afghanistan where he survived a rocket Attack.
I will go into his comments over the next few Blogs, this one is about Camaraderie. I walked into the Kensington Legion for the first time in my life yesterday after the final service. I stood at the bar awaiting the arrival of Minister MacKay. A fellow veteran in Blazer and fannels says to me I notice you are wearing a Corps Tie. I acknowledged and as I looked at this white haired Gentleman, I realised that we had been soldier apprentices together. Fred Bearisto of 21 Pl was standing talking with me like we had only seen one another yesterday. in fact it had been 46 Years since we had last seen one another 1961 he graduated a year ahead of me from the GREENIES. Yet another vet approached me and as we chatted we realised we had served in Fort Henry Germany in 1968 till 1971 and that we were on the advance party to Cairo on Nov 10 1973. John Brown an old trucker then made yet another link Benny The Super Frog ( and Giovanni's)who was in various units with us over the years, thus proving the camaraderie between soldiers both serving and retired can never be broken. We laughed as we shared memories and somberly toasted our friends who had passed onto the advance party. The stories flowed and old names and images came and went.
When the Minister arrived he shook hands and spoke with the vets present. I took the time to meet with some members of 1 RCR who had served with WO Frank Mellish. As we spoke I mentioned my nephew formerly of 1 RCR and they knew him from both Bosnia and Kosovo campaigns.Yet another link in Military Camaraderie.
So as we enter the Christmas season we think of our troops with fresh hopes for all to safely return to Families, Friends and Children.
This wee boy boy is thinking will my Dad be home for my first Christmas.
On that note I close but tell you I have added a Humourous Video from Veterans celebrating Drill teams in Retirement. please go to Guardian Videos
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
