After the Britsh, the Scots, the Australians and New Zealanders, it was on November 8, 2017, the turn of the Canadians to commemorate their war victims. Immediately the beginning of several days of commemorations, as also for Canada, The Thid Battle of Ypres, better known as The Battle of Passchendaele, is very important. Not only because they managed to conquer the ruins of Passchendale on November 10, 1917, but alos by the many Canadian casualties: 16 000 wounded, dead or missing.
The Menin Gate contains the names of 55 000 missing soldiers; almost 7 000 of which are Canadian!
Names of note on the Menin Gate:
- Three Canadian Victoria Cross recipients: Frederick Fisher, Frederick William Hall and Hugh McDonald McKenzie (the latter killed during the Battle of Passchendaele)
- Lt. Alexis Helmer, whose death inspired fellow officer Lt.-Col. John McCrae to write In Flanders Fields in early May 1915
- Pte. John Smith (14th Bn Canadian Infantry): one of the youngest known casualties of Passchendaele, killed at the young age of 15
- Pte. Guiseppe Pitello (2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Bn): the oldest known casualty of Passchendaele, killed at 56 years of age
- Lt. Cameron Donald Brant (4th Bn Canadian Infantry): a descendant of famous Six Nations Chief Joseph Brant (Thayendanaga)
- Major Talbot Papineau (PPCLI): grandson of Louis-Joseph Papineau, leader of the patriote rebels in 1837 in the Province of Quebec.
Canadian Armed Forces Vigil and Flag Party took their positions
Indigenous performance by Warrior Eagle drummers and grass and hoop dancers. Warrior Eagle was an Indigenous contingent joining the Governement of Canada delegation in Belgium to bring a spiritual component to the commemorative ceremonies. Four performers provided traditional dancing, drumming and singing, led by Elder Steven Ross, Grand Chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association.
The Eagle Staff was present as well. This DND/CAf Eagle Staff is the travelling symbol of unity among Aboriginal women and men in the defence community. It is a reminder that Canada will never forget the legacy of its First Peoples. The Staff represents traditional Aboriginal culture and clans, as well as traditional belief in spiritual entities, healing and reverence for the Creator and all life.
The Staff helped bring forward a recognizable marker of empowerment, pride and honour of their native ancestry among Aboriginal members of the CAF and DND. It further reinforces the values of inclusivity and respect for all members of the defence family, both past and present.
Before carrying an Eagle Staff, one must receive teachings and guidance by a group of designated veterans and warriors. Staff carriers must possess a strong and positive mind because it is believed that the spirits of the Staff listen and connect with the carrier. Eagle Staff Carriers are responsible for praying for their Staff and making offerings in accordance with customs and traditions and with the guidance of the visionaries.
Prayers by Lt Zbigniew Jonczyk, Canadian Armed Forces padre, and Indigenous blessing by Elder Steven Ross
Last Post by buglers of the Last Post Association
Act of Remembrance by Canadian Veterans: Eric Hjalmarson (English), Luc Tremblay (French) and Luc O'Bamsawin (Abénakis)
Commitment of Remembrance by Ben Jamieson (English), Kiera Wortley (French), Teghan Angulalik (Innuinaqtun) and Camille Mottrie (Dutch)
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One Minute of Silence, followed by Lament by Sgt Michael Campbell, Canadian Armed Forces piper
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During the Wreath laying La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment played solemn music
Kohima Epitaph by Mrs. Sheery Romanando, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Rouse by Canadian Armed Forces buglers, followed by the National Anthems (La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment) and marching of of the Flages
Mr. Mottrie presented a gift to Mrs. Sherry Romanando and the Canadian Armed Forces Band and Guard paraded
Page made by IDG, Daphné Vangheluwe and Filip Van Loo