SPRING BAY—Annually, on the first Sunday in June, the two branches of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 514 Western Manitoulin and Branch 177 Little Current) alternate hosting the Decoration Day service, paying homage to the men and women who served in our country’s forces and those of our allies. Through their courage and sacrifice, these men and women have helped to ensure that we live in freedom and peace, while also fostering the same around the world.
“First let me begin by thanking each and everyone of you for attending today’s ceremony to recognize, honour and pay tribute to all our service men and women who have served to protect our great county of Canada as well as countries around the globe,” stated Jim Woods, past president of the RCL 514 Western Manitoulin. “We pay special tribute to those who paid the supreme sacrifice and never returned home to be with their families, loved ones and friends. They never came home to see what their efforts and sacrifices accomplished for us, who are standing here today. Let us never forget them and what they gave us and let us think of and keep close in our thoughts and prayers, those still serving today, to keep our country of Canada free and safe.”
“We owe them so much, and by attending these yearly ceremonies, we are giving back to them but a small token of the gratitude and respect they so deserve,” stated Mr. Woods. “As a Canadian, son of a veteran and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, I am proud but humbled to stand here today to do my part to honour our veterans. May we never, ever forget them and what they did and still do. And I ask you to promote remembrance year-round so that our children and all future generations continue this tradition which I believe is the cornerstone of our past and our future.”
Mr. Woods explained, “For some of you who may not know, this year, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, which Canadian soldiers played a significant role. This year also marks the end of World War II. Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Canadian Legion, first known as the British Empire Service League. It would be wonderful to see all of you here to make this special occasion. The Legion is an organization whose main objective is to support all veterans and their dependants and we as members of this organization put all we have into making this happen.”
Comrade Erwin Thompson provided the invocation. “Forgiving and all-powerful God, we come before you on this 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with thanksgiving for all veterans and now serving personnel of the Canadian Armed Forces. We give thanks for all they have done for the security of your realm here on your creation. They have risked life and limb for their fellow Canadians in many conflicts, whether it be war or fighting forest fires, in unselfish ways.”
“There are so many conflicts going on now, we need to learn to live in peace that war is not the solution,” said Comrade Thompson. “Forgive us our part in whatever way we contribute to the making of conflict on earth. Give the leaders of countries throughout the world wisdom and understanding. This we ask of the Holy One.”
The parade stood at attention for the playing and singing of O Canada.
Among several special guests on hand for the ceremony was Jim Belanger, federal Member of Parliament for Sudbury East-Manitoulin-Nickel Belt. “Good afternoon. Manitoulin Island communities, you have a memorial cenotaph here to be proud of. We are here to remember those who gave of their service, the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to serve. Thank all of you for your service to our country.”
Bill Rosenberg, provincial member of parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin said, “it is with great pride that I stand with all of you today, to show respect for all those who served and to remember all those who have made the sacrifice for our country.”
Nancy Cada, representing all Indigenous people on Manitoulin noted that “Our warriors served and fought in World War One and World War II. I honour them by attending this service today and every year.” She noted her grandfather Paul Cada and her father Angus Cada both served in the Canadian Forces. “They both came home, but a lot didn’t. I thank all of them for what they did to give us a chance to live a good life.”
“It is always a treat to be on Manitoulin Island,” said RCL District H Commandeer Flora Winn Chartrand, who brought greetings on behalf of the RCL District H Command.
“I am very honoured to be here to represent (RCL) Zone H-3,” said First Deputy Commander Stuart O’Neil. “It is all the veterans that gave us the freedom we enjoy today. Lest we Forget.”
The ceremony then began with the parade coming to attention, playing of the Last Post, a moment of silence, Lament by Pipe Major Stuart Gagan, Rouse and the Act of Remembrance.
The wreath laying ceremony then took place with MP Jim Belanger laying a wreath on behalf of the government of Canada, MPP Bill Rosenberg for the province of Ontario, Comrade Bob Lamb (OPP sergeant retired), District H-3 Comrade Flora Winn Chartrand, Zone H-3 Comrade Stuart O’Neil, Nancy Cada on behalf of all Indigenous veterans, Trevor Wright, first vice-president of the RCL Western Manitoulin Branch 514, RCL Branch 177 Little Current president Leslie Burnett accompanied by first vice-president Duane Deschamps, Denis Blake on behalf of ANA Veterans 176, Manitoulin North Shore Naval Veterans Association vice president Comrade Roy Eaton, Mayor Richard Stephens of the municipality of Central Manitoulin, Beverly Wright, Conductress of Spanish River Chapter 237 of the Order of the Eastern Star, Manitoulin Sea Cadets Squadron 348 Commander Tina Davidson, Masons of Sudbury/Manitoulin RTW Dave Hodgins, Sudbury Shrine Club Nobles Dick Stewart, first vice-president, and ambassador Trevor Sykes, Constable Capell of the Manitoulin/Espanola detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, Denis Blake on behalf of the UCCM Police Services, Central Manitoulin Fire Department Chief Phil Gosse, Gore Bay/Gordon Barrie Island Fire Department Cole McLaughlin, NEMI Fire Department Duane Deschamps, Doric Lodge Worshipful master Brent Forsyth, Haweater Unit Noble Jim Karnsey, Barbara Flaherty and Evelyn Russell laying a wreath in memory of Fred Russell WWII Lincoln Welland Regiment.
Comrade Thompson provided the closing prayer, “As we leave this War Memorial may we take the names inscribed upon it into our heart, ever mindful of their sacrifice for Canada and the world. May we remember our promise to strive for peace. So, lets go and do so that all may know we hold peace in high regard and the Spirit of the Creator goes with us.”
Comrade Parade Marshal Jim Kiviaho then marched off the parade to the Veterans Memorial Gardens where Commander Tina Davidson placed a wreath at the Women’s Memorial. Charles C. McLean Grade 7 student Alex Wright placed a wreath at the Children’s Memorial.
