One Proud Happy Canadian Peacekeeping Veteran keeping the Flame alive as it departs PEI to NB.
This 45,000 Km journey the longest Torch run in history, is literally larger than the circumfrence of the earth at approx 42,000 Kilometere. The Organisers and participants all did and are doing wonders for Canadian morale. Honouring the worlds athletes and indeed Canadian Athletes for the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia.
School children rushed outdoors with their paper maches torches and flags to be part of this event, in Canadian History.
Families turned out in droves all along the routes. I was blessed by my Son Mookie and Baby Brothers Georgie and Joey Flying in from Ontario to witness the Torch Run. Many thanks for your support.
In speaking with some of the staff who are accompanying the flame to all parts of our great nation. I was absolutely surprised to find out that at one Northern stop for the torch carrying, a town with the population of 56 actually had over 200 people come in by Snowmobile, truck or walked to see the flame. I could not help but think of our moaning MLA who could not drive from Kings county on a paved road to view the torch as it passed through parts of the province not quite in his county. Not exactly a proud Canadian if you ask me.
In my group of 9 there were teens, a teacher, a hockey mom, a local DJ all representing Canada. I was fortunate to be selected as a Canadian Peace Keeping Veteran on PEI. I held the flame high and thought of all our men and women far from home in dangerous places, keeping our peackeeping reputation alive and well, literaly, RCMP and local police officers serving Canada and the world.
In Honour of our Canadian Peacekeepers past and present. Thankyou VANOC for this opportunity.
As with most major events in the world there were a few glitches, not with the organisers but with the toll booth people. They charged one of the Globe and mail reporters accompanying the teams. He was charged the full $42.50 to go approx 200 metres to photograph the flame departing PEI. He then returned to his hotel. I feel that our Provincial Government should have made sure all toll charges were waived for officials whether press or people who were to carry a torch for Canada. A small gesture but a wonderful one. For this once in a lifetime event. But as the saying goes only in PEI.
Remember Everyone Deployed
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
