How many of us older Verdunite remember the annual Ypres Day parade that the Verdun legion put on? After the war, it really was a largw parade starting at Evelyn/Church, going past the cenotaph then at Lasalle/Wellington and proceeding to Woodland park where a ceremony was held. All of the regiments in the Montreal area were there with Tanks, field pieces, bands etc. Of course over the years it has gotten a lot smaller with only legionaires participating. Apparently the Verdun legion is the only one in all of Canada to remember those who died in Ypres.
Robin
6 comments:
Hey Robin: Guess the answer is that we Verduners have long memories and care a lot more than most people in Canada. We show our respect to our veterans regardless of number of years when the event happened. Thank God!!! We are a unique group of people as this VC Group proves day after day. Many of us have moved from Verdun but we are still drawn back to the good old days of living in the best city in the world. Just look at all the different locations we live in today and I say we have all made each city or town where we live a better place because of our upbringing in the City of Verdun. May the goodness and caring of Verduners continue in this seemingly uncaring world of today. George
Hello there Robin! Ahh, 'LEST WE FORGET!!!!' I still remember marching in the Ypres parades with the VHS Verdun Air Cadets in the late 40's! Shivering in the cold breeze, too! Beating a drum and freezing my hands, ears and feet! Why did it have to be so darn cold? Of course it made us remember how cold it was for those troops at the front during the war, laying in the mud and snow. Most of them are gone now, but we owe them, BIG TIME! The least we can do is remember them. "Bless 'em ALL! Victah
Victah - May I as if you were with # 69 Verdun Air Cadet Squadron, which may have moved over to Woodland school on Verdun Ave. My reason for asking is because I joined up with # 69 Squadron in September 1963 and have been a member of the Air Cadet organization for the past 45 years. I would love to hear about the history of your squadon when you were an active Air Cadet.
Laurie Used to march alongside the parade when it made its way down Verdun Ave to the Legion..Always something to see cannons being pulled along. Alot of guys joined #69 back in 63 and 64 that I knew..Can still remember the Sgt. coming in full uniform in the class room to recruit.I almost did but when I heard the stories after the first and second night from Woodland School I figured mabye not. Now I know you know who the tall Sgt.was and have you ever heard what happened to him?This guy intimidated a few guys..and some other guys in my class made fun of him because of the way he talked.Guys in my class were old enough to vote in Gr 8 if you know what I mean. Lad
Lad, This should bring back memories Guy
My father was the bandmaster of the Black Watch brass band and as a youngster I used to walk along side his band through the parade. later in life, I was a member of the Black Watch Pipe band and marched with them in the Ypres Day parade. After the parade there was lots of soda pop in brown bottles consumed back at the legion (LOL). Robin
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