Features
Military
Remembrance Day in Sault Ste. Marie commemorates 100 years of the Air Force and 75 years of NATO
November 12, 2024 By Margaret Kirk, Local Journalism Initiative, Sault Star
Veterans, cadets, families, and community members came together of Nov. 11, 2024 to lay wreaths in solemn tribute to those who served and sacrificed for Canada. (Photo: Maggie Kirk) Glenda Lemarquard’s father was her hero.
Mel Lemarquard was a decorated World War II veteran of the South Saskatchewan Regiment who earned a medal for bravery in combat during a battle in Holland. For seven years, Glenda has walked in her father’s place in Sault Ste. Marie’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony organized by The Legion Branch 25.
This year, despite the rain and wind on Nov. 11, she marched with his medals close to her heart, a tangible reminder of his legacy and sacrifice.
“He was my hero, and he was a great guy,” says Glenda, who is a mother of two, and has a grandchild on the way. “He never talked about his time in the war, but I was always very proud of him for having participated in the war and helping us have our freedoms that we have today, that so many of us take for granted. I miss him every day.”
She marched alongside about a dozen other civilians who walked to honour their family members who died in the war, or who have passed since.
The event featured its usual march from GFL Memorial Gardens to the cenotaph in front of the courthouse, where a small ceremony took place before the marching band, elected officials, veterans and their loved ones, and emergency service professionals of Sault Ste. Marie made their way back to GFL for the main ceremony.
The ceremony included O Canada sung by Ella Dubreuil, two minutes of silence in memory of those who have fallen, a hymn: Faith of Our Fathers, and the poem In Flander’s Fields, recited by Rowan Christenson from 155 Borden Gray GC Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets, as well as several speeches.
Attendees were encouraged to connect with veterans and their families, to deepen their understanding of the sacrifices made for Canadian citizens
This year marked the second time The Indian Friendship Centre was invited to recognize Indigenous contributions to the Canadian Army, with a drum circle and ceremonial dance presented at the stadium.
This year’s ceremony also recognized two significant milestones: 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and 75 years since Canada joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Guest speaker Captain Cathy Devon, born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and a member of the air force since 1982, said, “Both of these events serve as a powerful reminder of our nation’s unwavering commitment to service, duty and sacrifice at home and around the world.”
Over 15,000 Canadian Armed Forces are currently deployed for NATO deterrence and defense measures in Central and Eastern Europe, Canada’s largest overseas mission, which aims to achieve “world peace and stability,” says Legion Branch 25 President Pierre Breckenridge.
Devon described the legacy of the RCAF: “During times of conflict, 100 years ago, the Royal Canadian Air Force was born. What began as a small experimental force became an integral branch of Canada’s defense and one of the world’s most respected air forces.
“Over the last century, RCAF personnel have served with courage, skill, and distinction in conflicts around the world, defending freedom during WWII, patrolling the skies during the Cold War, and participating in peacekeeping, combat, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief.”
In her own service, Devon was part of the UN Peacekeeping mission in Africa, Operation MATADOR, where she also volunteered with local organizations to distribute food and clothing in rural villages.
After her military career, she returned to Sault Ste. Marie and continued to serve her community, dedicating 28 years to social services before transitioning into healthcare.
She remains involved with military service as a cadet instructor, guiding young Canadians with the same values that defined her career: “service, loyalty, and sacrifice.”
In her speech, Devon honored those who served in wartime, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who continue to serve in peace today.
In addition to recognizing wartime sacrifices, Devon drew attention to the ongoing struggles many veterans face “beyond the battlefield,” such as mental health challenges and PTSD. “The wounds that are not physical are just as real,” she said. A support line for veterans seeking free and anonymous mental health services was shared: 1-800-268-7708, available 24/7.
This Remembrance Day was also significant for Legion Branch 25 as it was the first since the opening of their new $32.1 million high-rise apartment building on Great Northern Road. Funded by the federal government, the 108-unit building houses several veterans, many of whom reside on the first floor.
After the ceremony, guests were invited to tour the new building as well as the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, where additional roadside banners honoring war veterans are displayed.
Breckenridge thanked the community for their participation in Legion events and supporting them through the transition to the upgraded legion, especially The Marconi Multicultural Centre for allowing them to use their space and resources while construction was underway.
“Thanks is not enough,” said Breckenridge to the community for their ongoing support.