Man Honouring Our Troops Told to Move His Truck

What do you think? ....  This truck has been here since our soldiers deployed overseas. Should the city make him move it? Somehow I don't see one of the quoted bylaws listed in the parking regulations in that city, Does this infringe on our freedoms? ...

As posted in The Record March 24, 2012

Man Told to Move Truck that Honours Canada’s Troops

TRUCK Kitchener resident Jeff Meyer was told by the city to move his retired Canadian Armed Forces truck from his lawn. The truck is decorated as a tribute to the troops who were fighting in Afghanistan.

David Bebee/Record staff

KITCHENER — A man who parked a military truck on his front lawn in support of Canadian troops in Afghanistan was forced to move the vehicle because he was violating a city bylaw.
Not long after Canadian troops went to war in Afghanistan, Jeff Meyer, 49, parked the M-131 army truck on his small front lawn on Victoria Street and decorated it with yellow ribbons, flags and banners. It was a highly visible demonstration of support for the soldiers on that mission and in remembrance of the ones who died there.
“I can’t believe this is happening when the truck has been there for years,” Meyer said.
On Wednesday a city bylaw officer shut him down.
The city forbids parking on front lawns. The city also forbids parking vehicles without plates in driveways. Meyer’s army truck runs well, but it does not have plates.
“Different groups stationed in Afghanistan have photographs of that truck with their unit,” Meyer said. “People from all over the world, who are tourists, took pictures of the truck.
“Local injured soldiers’ mothers have stopped in, crying, to thank me for putting it out there.”
Meyer said he wants a compromise that would allow him to park the truck in the driveway, where it is visible to passersby.
The city’s bylaw department did nothing about the truck for years because nobody complained about it. Bylaw enforcement officers only act on complaints.
Shayne Turner, the head of bylaw enforcement, said the city is sensitive to the fact the truck and banners were a tribute to the troops in the Afghan war.
“We understand the importance and emotional attachment to military issues,” Turner said.
Licensing the vehicle and parking it in the driveway would solve the problem.
“Let’s find something that balances the needs of the property owner and the needs of the neighbourhood,” Turner said.
tpender@therecord.com

Team Captains of the Canadian Olympic Hockey Teams have written a letter to show the troops to show their appreciation. I wanted to share it with you. quest for the Gold Medal.
Have a great tour troops, wherever you may be, enjoy the Olympics, and good luck to our Hockey heroes in their quest for the Gold Medal.

February 5, 2010

To OUR Troops,

As we get ready to represent Canada at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Februaryand March, we wanted to take a minute to let each and every one of you know how much of an inspiration you will be in our quest for three gold medals in the coming months.

People throw out words like war and battle way too often when speaking about sports such as hockey.,,As athletes, we know that what we do for our country can never measure up to your contributions ‐ the sacrifice and dedication that our armed forces show on a daily basis.

When we take to the ice, rest assured that we will have you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so proud to be Canadians, and owe so much of what we have here to you, the Canadian military.

We will do our best to represent you well in competition, and look forward to a day in the very near future when you will return home safely in Canada, and all Canadians can thank you in person.

All the best,
Jean Labonte
Captain Sledge Hockey Team

Scott Niedermayer
Captain Men's Hockey Team

Hayley Wickenheiser
Captain Women's Hockey Team

Military Appreciation Rally - Quinte West

MILITARY APPRECIATION RALLY

Quinte West Ontario
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010
LEAVING BAIN PARK AT 10:00 A.M.
WALKING DOWN HWY#2 TO SOUTH ENTRANCE OF BASE
WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO COME OUT AND SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES
NEIGHBOURS SUPPORTING NEIGHBOURS
BRING YOUR FLAGS; SIGNS; AND PERSONAL SUPPORT
HOPE TO SEE YOU AT
BAIN PARK
CORNER OF HWY #2 & RCAF ROAD
(WEST END OF BASE)
LOTS OF PARKING AVAILABLE

From the offices of:
Mayor John R. Williams & Members of Council City of Quinte West
For more information Contact: Mayor John R. Williams, City of Quinte West
613-392-2841 Ext. 4431
CITY OF QUINTE WEST
Office of the Mayor John R. Williams
P.O. Box 490 Trenton, Ontario, K8V 5R6

Canada Post Will Continue Program of Free Delivery to Deployed Troops

I'd like to thank Canada Post and the Canadian Forces for conjunctively bringing families and friends closer to their families and friends closer through the holiday season through this service. I know there are many families through Canada who have shown deep appreciation for this service. All the best to you for a warm holiday.
To families and friends: a reminder - when sending a letter, to benefit from this free service, remember to take it to a postal office to mail rather than depositing it in a mailbox. The staff need to stamp the envelope. Some families who have deposited their cherished letters in the mailbox, have had them returned, which is unfortunate.
News Releases
Print this Article

Canada Post will continue program of free delivery to deployed troops

Oct. 26, 2009
OTTAWA (October 26, 2009)—Canada Post announced today it will again provide free delivery of letters and parcels from family and friends to Canadian troops deployed in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas. This will be the fourth year that Canada Post has offered this service. Free parcel service for family and friends of deployed Canadian troops will be provided from October 26, 2009 to January 15, 2010.
Last year Canada Post forwarded more than 21,000 parcels to our Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas, an increase of 60 per cent over the previous year. Family and friends of deployed troops will also be able to continue sending letters free throughout 2010. At the end of this period, Canada Post and the Department of National Defence will jointly evaluate the program.
"We are pleased to be able to show our continued support for our troops serving overseas and their families," said Moya Greene, president and chief executive officer of Canada Post.
“This program allows Canadians at home to extend their best wishes to loved ones far away in the service of Canada, often in dangerous places,” said the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). “It is an excellent initiative and one I very much support.”
With capacity limitations on military aircraft carrying supplies and munitions to deployed forces, this offer is restricted to family and friends of the deployed service men and women serving overseas in war zones. That includes members of the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sinai and Jerusalem. Troops serving on any of the deployed Her Majesty's Canadian Ships are also included in the offer.
To ensure the proper customs declaration form and addressing information, the letters and parcels will need to be deposited at one of Canada Post's more than 6,600 full-service retail outlets across the country (letters and packages dropped in regular street letter boxes will not qualify). They will then be forwarded to Canadian Forces Bases in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Victoria, British Columbia and Belleville, Ontario. Once delivered to the military bases, the Department of National Defence will take charge of the letters and parcels and ensure their delivery overseas. All mail must be addressed to a specific soldier, including rank and mission information.

Newcastle Woman In Support of Our Troops

Marg Maskell, seen with her patriotic banner, gets emotional in her Newcastle home as she recalls meeting the families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Photo Credit: YVONNE BERG

The Star The message from Kandahar moves Margaret Maskell to tears. "It is a great feeling to have the community back us while we are deployed," reads the email from Master Cpl. Nicholas Field. Field, a 27-year-old trooper from Oshawa, took one with him when he left for Afghanistan last August. The support it represents is a motivating force that makes his posting "a bit more bearable," he says. Field is due to come home in a month.

"It truly makes me feel proud to serve Canada and its people. There is no way to truly show my gratitude to the communities that support us."
Maskell's bold red and yellow banners appear to be doing the job.
The unique sign she helped create to rally support for Canada's troops is sprouting up on posts, walls and buildings across the province. The retired Newcastle resident's dream is to have a banner in every city and town across the country.
"I want to show the world that Canadians are united in support of our troops," she says.
The deaths of six soldiers from a roadside bomb on April 8, 2007 – Easter Sunday – planted the seeds for the banner project. The tragedy hit close to home for Maskell, 62, whose nephew, Cpl. David Allison of New Brunswick, was in the same battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. He had started his tour of duty just weeks before the lethal blast.
Later, she met some of the grieving families during a visit to Allison's parents near Fredericton.
"What can I do to make things better?" she asked.
One father stepped forward: "You can wear red on Fridays to show your support. And tie a yellow ribbon for everyone to see."
So Maskell wore red every Friday and tied yellow ribbons in front of her home.
Then came the loss of a local hero, Trooper Darryl Caswell, from neighbouring Bowmanville, killed the following June. The crowds assembling at overpasses grew larger with each hearse bearing a fallen soldier along Highway 401. Maskell's banners have a special meaning for Christine Caswell, Darryl's stepmother, who has become a friend."When I see them in places I don't expect, it puts a smile on my face and lets me know people are thinking about the troops."
"I just knew that I had to do something else," says Maskell. "I couldn't sleep, thinking about our men and women giving their lives for us."
She contacted Hampton resident Scott Taylor, who has a sign-making business called The Artshack. Together they designed a banner incorporating a red maple leaf inside a yellow ribbon. Then Maskell took it on the road on behalf of Canada's dead, injured and veteran soldiers.
Encouraged by Lieut.-Gov. David Onley, she has succeeded in getting banners hung at Queen's Park and in communities throughout Ontario and beyond. She'd like to see one on Grenville St., near the Toronto morgue where the repatriation processions end.
In the Bowmanville supermarket where Maskell worked until retiring last year, soldiers visiting the store last year were touched by the sight of the colourful banner near the checkout, says manager David Skitch.
"They just loved it and appreciated the support from the community," he says.

The heavy vinyl banner is 107 centimetres high but can be custom-made in any size. The price starts at $65, which Scott Taylor says covers materials and labour. He can be contacted for orders at taylor.scott@sympatico.ca

A BIG HUA for Scott Taylor and Marg Maskell!

LMFRC - Cambridge Outreach's Grand Opening!

Outreach Services Cambridge

Grand Opening Ceremony

on

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

at

The Cambridge Armoury (Col. McIntosh, DSO,ED Armoury)

1 Valour Place, Rm 105

(Ainslie St S beside the Bus Station)

Cambridge, ON

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Support Our Troops Merchandise BBQ Cake Door Prizes

Displays Cleo the Clown Ballons for the Kids and much more...

Bring the Whole Family!

Come meet with members of support groups from

Waterloo Region (Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan),

Guelph, Cambridge and Brantford

STRONGER TOGETHER... CONNECT WITH YOUR MFRC

(Military Family Resource Centre)

For further information contact:

Donna Pickering at 519-740-7322 Ext 3319

Email: donna.pickering@forces.gc.ca

Click on poster below to enlarge:

Buy Our Troops a Coffee

Buy our Troops a Coffee

Kingsville's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 188 in conjunction with the Town, the BIA and the community will be holding a

'Support Our Troops Day'

on

Saturday March 14th, 2009.

Dinner: 5:00 pm

and

7:00 pm

at

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 188

145 Division Street S

Kingsville, ON

The Legionnaires will be promoting a yellow ribbon campaign throughout the town, and hosting a BBQ Pig Roast Buffet dinner at the Branch -145 Division St S Kingsville, ON.

The evening dinner will offer two sittings (5 & 7 p.m.) and will hold "balloon burst" for prizes as well as hockey memorabilia raffle items. Tickets are $15.00 adult, ($10.00 for 12 and under) and our own Kingsville firemen will be doing the cooking.

Businesses are encouraged to decorate with Yellow ribbons which will be available from local florists at a minimal charge. Red t-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as Dinner tickets, will be available for sale at the Branch.

SOLDIERS: Requests are being made for photos (in uniform) of any of our local men and women who are currently in the Service so that they can be added to a wall of honour. All proceeds from the event will go to the Troop Morale Fund, which buys each of our troops posted in Afghanistan a Tim Horton's coffee and a doughnut as often as possible.

On March 14th, 2009 let's show our Troops that we have them in their hearts and support their effort 100% of the time.

Thank you Carolyn. Everyone.. Support Our Troops... Tie a Yellow Ribbon on your tree! Head to Kingsville if you can.. let's donate enough to buy EVERY ONE of our soldiers a coffee and a donut! It's the least we can do for them! ~m.m.

Red Friday Rally - October 24th in Waterloo

It's a Red Friday Rally!

Come out, wear red, bring a flag, purchase a candle

and SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

on

Friday, October 24th, 2008

at

7:00 pm

at

Waterloo Cenotaph (beside Waterloo City Hall)

100 Regina Street, Waterloo (see map below)

Proceeds from the Charity BBQ (sponsored by M&M meat shop) will go to The Poppy Fund

MC - Jeff Allen from 570 CHYM

Canadian Forces endorsed Support Our Troops Merchandise will be available for sale.

Event Co-ordinated by: Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan

Let the pride in our soldiers SHINE as we Support Our Troops.

View Larger Map

Letting Go

Well.. it happened. Honestly, it was a difficult time of my life. Letting go.

People have approached me and said, "This is your son's second tour, it should be easier this time." To tell you the truth, it's harder. It's like looking at a rollercoaster. If you have been on it before, then you know what's coming up.. the hills to climb, valleys to cross, the unexpected turns, and the familiar emotions that go up and down those hills.

We decided to go up a couple days in advance - to spend quality time with our son. We told him we were being selfish.. we want to be by him as much as we could. He smiled and say, " No, that's not selfish, it's being a Mom. " :)

We had many fun moments, memorable moments.. like the time he tossed my shoe into the Ottawa River and looked at me and smirked.. as I gave chase after him. Looking over my shoulder I knew I had to return to rescue my drifting shoe. His laughter, I truly cherish. And yes, I took my revenge with a spraying of the water.

Where to stay?
Then the thought came. Where were we to stay up there? (in confusion we had thought reservations had been made but they hadn't been.) We had to go..go on a mission.. a mission to find a place to stay. We started in Petawawa. It was booked up. Copying a page from the phone book, we started our mission. Leading towards Pembroke, we called a couple places (booked up), driving we saw no vacancy signs. Darn it. It was getting later.. and we wanted to spend time with our son! Further and further away we started finding some success.. however unfortunately.. for our um personal..um reasons.. those we chose not to stay at. Perhaps it was the odd odour in the rooms?

So we moved on. Finally we found one! (if you are in need of a place to stay, I highly recommend it!) It was the Comfort Inn in Pembroke. It overlooks the Ottawa River. Unfortunately we couldn't enjoy the view as it was getting dark. We were tired... and it would be a nice place to crash for the night.

Dinner
We met up with our son and his girlfriend over a nice juicy steak dinner. mmm at a restaurantwhich highly supports our troops. Yes, unbeknownst to him the three of us were counting the hours and moments, dreading the goodbye ... our last dinner together before deployment... 14 hours before check in..tick..tick.. His smile, his laughter... I love. We cherished each and every minute with him.. as we were aware the clock was ticking.. the deployment would soon be here. Together through tears, we all packed up his belongings in his room. As we parted we said goodnight... tick..tick.... tick... 8 hours till check in.

This was a year I shared my son - something new for me - he has a wonderful girlfriend who wanted to share him with us! She would encourage him many times saying "Sit beside your mother." And there were times we would walk away leaving them alone together so they could say their goodbyes as well. Yes - I wanted to be beside him every second, holding onto him and protecting him as mothers do- (heck, I'd go on that plane if I could) but he has someone new in his life - his love and I respect their relationship.

We returned to our place where I had things to do.. I still wanted to finish a sign for the deploying soldiers..and as last time.. write a letter to him - reminding him how proud I am of him (this I wrote with tears streaming down my cheeks)... I needed to pack up and being ready as the morning would come soon enough.

Morning
The sun rose brightly as we packed up to meet him at his breakfast meeting of choice: Tim Hortons -Our last breakfast before check in. My son was not there yet and looking around I noticed a couple - he looked like he was deploying on the same chalk. With effort, she smiled as I passed their table. I smiled back and nodded.

My son approached through the parking lot wearing his desert tans. I jumped up and ordered for him as he greeted fellow soldiers that entered. Introducing me to them - I learned of a soldier whose wife will be deploying soon. He will be parenting their 3 children in her absence - he had deployed 2 years previously (my thoughts will be with you.) The coffee didn't last long enough... his girlfriend K. and I exchanged glances and we knew what the other was thinking.. this was it.
As we approached the building, it looked much bigger than before. Ominous in the morning skies. Nope, changed my mind.. didn't want to do this... as I had promised him no tears and I could feel the stinging in my eyes already.

Check In

Entering, I noticed many, many soldiers and families inside - hugging, taking pictures, laughing, sipping coffees, shaking hands... Here was the place where I met the section - the men serving with my son. Some mothers closeby looking proudly on as we shook hands. I would then turn and give the moms a hug as I knew what they were feeling. My son phoned his grandfather from his cell phone - as his grandfather wished him the best and let him know that he was praying for him. His grandfather wanted so much to be there with him, however with his age, the trip was a difficult to make. His heart was there.

__

The Padres, dressed in desert tans as well, came and spoke with us, reassuring us that they would be watching over the troops while overseas. They had a big job ahead of them as well.

Please pray over them and protect them.

People spoke with one another, some saying their tearful goodbyes until we heard the booming commands. Soon, they started calling the names. Roll Call. "Sgt. ___ " "Here!" Ironically, they were disappearing one by one into the light - the doorway where the buses were parked. We kept holding hands, praying and trying not to cry.

Soon my son's name was called and he walked away. Head held high. He walked towards the door. While walking away from the room, I noticed one mother crying uncontrollably. I stopped and held her in my arms. I hope I was able to comfort her in some way.

Outside the building, many people stood. I noticed one woman, wearing red, waved feverishly as each bus passed. The troops need this support. We passed many yellow ribbons as we travelled through the base.

Through Eganville, the buses drove over a bridge adorned with yellow ribbons. Lots of support.

A BIG SALUTE TO THE PEOPLE OF TWEED, ONTARIO

Then they edged towards Tweed. Here I had attached a big yellow ribbon (dwarfed by the letters on the sign) to their welcome sign (as I knew they would be making a stop at the Tim Hortons here) Unbeknownst to me.. the people of the town were awaiting the arrival of the soldiers in the Tim Hortons parking lot! Wearing red shirts - men, women and children cheered our troops- waving their Canadian flags feverishly! What an amazing sight. Well, tears flowed easily now. It was such a moving experience to see this!

They cheered loudly as the soldiers disembarked the buses towards the building. The troops stopped and shook hands with the towns people and chatted with them. At the entrance of the building, stood the manager handing out Tim Hortons Certificates to the soldiers and veterans stood close by shaking hands of each of our troops. I thanked many of the people their for their outstanding support - letting them know that it meant a lot not only to the soldiers but to families as well.

Soon they left the parking lot. Under a police escort, they drove along the main road. Here I noticed all the houses sporting flags and signs saying "Bless Our Troops" "Support Our Troops." The legion in Tweed awaited their arrival where veterans and more towns people had gathered, cheering our soldiers! and again their flags. What a sight! The soldiers left the buses and met with the towns people who wished them well on their mission. The veterans came to me and gave me hugs - letting me know that they would be praying for them.. assuring me of their safety.

Soon the bus' horn sounded and the soldiers climbed on board. The people gathered and waved and cheered.

THANK YOU TWEED FOR ALL YOUR OUTSTANDING SUPPORT!

CFB Trenton

Well the air force base approached soon enough. .. too soon. Slow that clock down. Families re united with their soldiers. Hugs were everywhere. Looking around I noticed some soldiers talking on their cell phones.

Last calls before boarding for the land far away - on the other side of the world. Soon we learned that we had a 2 hour wait. Some sat inside the airport, some approached the pay phones to make their calls. (trying to make light of things, I teased them saying they were calling in pizza orders) others went outside. The sun was strong. It didn't matter. The sunkiss would be a reminder of this day. As hunger pangs started, I suggested to my son to take orders for Tims for his section and I would send my husband to fill their orders. (o.k. have to let you in on this -I told my husband that our son was taking orders from all the soldiers - he nearly fainted) We would have done so if we could. I promise.

Saying not goodbye.. but see you soon

Sitting outside, I soon noticed the arrival of the box filled with coffees, teas, donuts, etc. Sitting on the curbside with his girlfriend on one side and myself on the other of my son (her orders:) we sat sipping our teas. Soon it was time. Time to say our goodbyes. Thinking of the other soldiers, I decided to say goodbye outside. My son turned to me and said "Well Mom.. it's time." He said, "you are so brave and are doing so well." I looked to him, holding onto him tightly, I wept -hard. With my tears soaking into the desert camoflauged uniform, I told him I failed - I wasn't the brave one now. But I let him know how much I love him and how proud of him I am. I told him from the time he walks through the door, his focus and worries should not be on us, but only on the mission ahead of him. Holding onto his hand I again told him I loved him once again and then let go.

Whoa ... Slow that Calendar Down!

Can someone slow these days down a bit? I have been behind in my postings as my son's deployment date nears closer and closer.

As the days are marked off the calendar, we try to do things with him as much as possible. I tell him "it's creating memories" and he smiles. I took him horseback riding the other day. I loved seeing his smiles. Yes, memories. (and my legs still hurt) I want to thank Jessica (our leader) for putting up with us even thought she was physically hurting at the time. It's o.k. I'll get those branches out of my hair someday. Now about those berries?.. hmm.


Today a young child approached me and looked up to me and said "You son army. He away. You cry." I then felt the burning in my eyes as the tears welled up, wanting to release, but I couldn't cry, not infront of this sweet child. I looked at him and tried my best to smile. But his glances travelled from my one eye to the other. He knew.


Today my son and I had been invited to attend a luncheon. It was a fabulous lunch, with many in attendance. Many faces I recognized, possibly from the past or through the media. I felt like royalty as they seated us at the head table. The voices were drowned out by the thoughts of packing... the thoughts of saying goodbye. (I had told my son thought I would never say "goodbye" to him... it would be "see you soon". Goodbye seems so final.) Proudly I watched over him as many people approached to speak with us. Every so often, in his familiar way, he'd give my arm a gentle pinch - a way of saying I love you.


It was so sad as we parted company there in the parking garage, to meet again up on base.


Where I'll sleep when I get up there, I don't know. I've been told the motels are all booked and the barracks are full. I'll sleep in the car if I have to.. I need to be there... for him.. for them.


This evening, feeling the stress, I walked into a neighbourhood bookstore and bought a familiar Tall Skinny Vanilla Latte (those names sure are hard to pronounce at times.) I walked around the bookstore aimlessly, almost like being in a daze. To not exit with a new purchase under my arm, I know something's not right. Then, on my way home, the tears started uncontrollably. I pulled over and phoned a fellow military mom. Through tears, we talked at lengths. Thank you J. for pulling me through. For a wee person, you have BIG shoulders. :)

Son, if you're reading this right now, I want you know that "I love you very much and I'm so very proud of you. And you're right: You work with the military over there and I'll work on it from this side of the world. Godspeed my love and Good Hunting Troops."

Largest Human "Support Our Troops" Banner

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO SHOW OUR TROOPS HOW MUCH WE CARE!

Participate in Forming the

Largest Human

"Support Our Troops" Banner

Bring as many people as you wish ~ let's make it huge!!!

REMEMBER TO WEAR A RED SHIRT to participate!

Great Lake Helicopter will be flying a chopper over the field at 3:30 pm with New Hamburg Independent Photographer, Tim Murphy aboard to document our event from the air.

Copies of this picture will be forwarded to ALL our Troops.

When: Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 3:00 pm - 5:00 p.m.

Where: New Hamburg Legion Br 532

Directions: From Kitchener Area: - Highway 7/8 West towards Stratford - take the Nafziger exit - you will see the Wilmot Rec Centre on the right - it's right there!

In the Main Field of the Wilmot Recreation Complex (Regional Road 5 and Hwy 7&8- Between Baden & New Hamburg)

For further details contact the New Hamburg Legion at 519-662-3770. See you there!

Petawawa Red Friday Rally Supports the Troops

Observer photo by Stephen Uhler
General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of Defense Staff, left, presents Debbie and Denis Moncion, owners of Moncion Grocers Petawawa Market, a certificate recognizing 25 years of service to the community during the Red Friday Rally held yesterday. Petawawa Market has been a strong supporter of the military and Red Fridays, helping to raise money for the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre through the sale of the "support the troops" signs, getting red T-shirts for their entire staff to show their support, and in other ways.

As soldiers stationed at CFB Petawawa begin their latest deployment to Afghanistan, organizers of Red Fridays felt it was time for a stronger show of support for Canada's military family.
On Friday, about 500 people gathered at the parking lot of Moncion Grocers Petawawa Market over the lunch hour to take part in a Red Friday Rally, a way to salute the troops and their families.

After listening to a slate of speakers including General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of Defense Staff, a mass of red and yellow balloons were cut loose. Each carried a white card, upon which were written messages of well wishes and addressed to soldiers now serving overseas.

Lisa Miller, who with Karen Boire started Red Fridays in Petawawa two and a half years and 130 Fridays ago, said the idea has gotten stronger since the first day when people were encouraged to wear red back in March 2006.
"Red Friday is about showing support," she said, both to the soldiers and their families back home. Events like Friday's rally are important in that they show how much the public backs the efforts of the troops, as they get ready to deploy to Afghanistan for another tour of duty.
"We, as a community, will continue to hold them in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers," Ms. Miller said.

She and Ms. Boire thanked Denis and Debbie Moncion of Moncion Grocers Petawawa Market for backing the movement in its early days to now, doing everything from selling support the troops signs to providing their staff with some of the first red T-shirts with the yellow ribbon insignia.
Proceeds from the sales are directed to the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre, helping it support military families.
The Moncions were honoured several times throughout the rally, including by Gen. Natynczyk, who presented them with a plaque commemorating their store's 25 years of service to the community.

It was unfortunate that the many waiting soldiers in attendance needed to return to work before Gen. Natynczyk's arrival.

Gen. Natynczyk said he always loves to return to Petawawa, which he considers his home away from home.
"You are the finest military community I know," he said.
This Red Friday is bittersweet for the CDS. He attended the funeral of a member of 3 RCR who passed away from cancer in the same week three more soldiers were killed in Afghanistan.
"We have to reflect on our losses and the three families in mourning," Gen. Natynczyk said, knowing the community will wrap itself around these families to support them in their time of need, as they do elsewhere in the military.
This support of them and their families helps, he said, and gives the soldiers the strength to carry on even after being "hit hard in the gut" by losses.
"I'm proud of them and I'm proud of being your Chief of Defence Staff."
MP Cheryl Gallant thanked the efforts of Ms. Miller and Ms. Boire for starting and continuing the Red Friday campaign.
"You blanketed a red carpet from one end of Canada to the next," she said, and helped remind the country there is no higher calling than those who serve our nation in uniform.
The MP said as the ongoing mission in Afghanistan continues and the media coverage increases, it is important to remember why Canada is in there in the first place - to fight those who would threaten our security elsewhere.
"When the going gets really tough, we have to hunker down and remember that," she said.
Theresa Sabourin, executive director of the PMFRC, said they are gathered to show support for the military no matter where they are serving. She said while the focus is on Afghanistan, they shouldn't forget the soldiers serving all over the world.
"Canadian Forces members defend our sovereignty and defend the peace," she said. "They are heroes to most and deeply committed to their jobs."
Ms. Sabourin said it is important to remember their strength is in their families, who themselves have a tremendous commitment to back the soldiers. She said for the rest of the community, it is vital to remind military families they stand with them too.
"You are not alone," she said. "You have a whole community behind you."
MPP John Yakabuski said events such as this rally, along with regularly observing Red Fridays, serve to show the military family the entire Ottawa Valley supports and stands behind them.

"We need to make sure on a regular basis we thank them," he said. "In fact, we can't thank them enough."
Lt.-Col. Bill Moore, commander of CFB Petawawa, said the way the community has rallied around base personnel during good times and bad has brought them all much closer together. He said military life has always been tough on those who serve and their families and stressed one cannot underestimate the positive impact of events such as Red Fridays.
"It is crucial to remember the community support you give does make a difference," Lt. Col. Moore said.

Thank you Lisa and Karen for all the work you do for our troops. Thanks for the pics.

Thank you to the Moncion Family for being there and supporting our troops through all the deployments.

Red Friday Rally in Petawawa

On Friday September 5th, 2008
Moncion Grocers Petawawa Market will
“Salute Our Troops and Their Families”

We will be hosting a Red Friday Rally in our parking lot
At 11:30 am

Joining us for this special event will be:
-Star 96.7 Fm radio host, James Patrick, event Emcee
-Star 96.7 Fm’s Annette Reynolds for the singing of our Canadian National Anthem
-Lisa Miller, one of Petawawa’s own Red Friday Ladies
-Theresa Sabourin, Executive Director, Petawawa Military family resource Center
-Ed chow, deputy mayor town of petawawa
-LCol Bill Moore, Base Commander CFB Petawawa
-Chief of the Defense Staff, General Walter Natynczyk

This event is open to the public so we encourage you put on something red, come on down and show your support for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as their families, as we celebrate...

“Red Friday: Moncion Grocers Salutes our troops and their families”

There will be a free bbq between 1130am & 1pm
And complimentary cake in the store after the rally

Thanks Lisa for the info .. and to both you and Karen for all you do for our Troops! HUA!! ~ Military Mom

Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly Supports Our Troops - Thank You!

On Sunday, July 6th, Crossroads Pentecostal Church of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan held a Canada Day Celebration in support of our Troops, and to launch project P.T.L. Project P.T.L. stands for Praise The Lord, and Plug The Leaks. Their church building is nearly 30 years old, and they are needing to replace the roof, due to some major leaking that is occurring. This will cost them $100,000.

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Not only did they want to launch this special project, they also wanted to honor our Troops that are serving overseas. They held a special celebration service and decided to give 10% of their offerings in Tim Hortons gift certificates for our Canadian Troops.

In attendance for this event were Mr. Randy Hoback – candidate for Federal MP in the Prince Albert District, the parents of soldiers who have, and are, serving, along with two RCMP Officers and their wives. There was a letter read from Prince Albert Mayor, Mr. Jim Scarrow, along with a letter from Mr. Darryl Hickie, Provincial MP.

PROUD PARENTS

Also for this event, their local Sears store donated red shirts for our ushers and greeters to wear that had "Support Our Troops" embroidered on them. Their local Tim Hortons supplied free coffee served after the service. (A special THANK YOU to owner Mr Ed Zaparaniuk for his generous donation!) Along with coffee, the parents of the Soldiers served cake. A true honour for the rest of the congregation and participants.

There were 138 in attendance for this event. There was a slide show presentation of pictures of Canadian Soldiers. Special thanks to Mrs. Brenda Sebo for sharing photos of her sons taken by them while serving overseas.

They are now in the process of purchasing $3,200.00 worth of Tim Hortons gift certificates to be sent overseas for our Canadian Troops to enjoy something from their favorite coffee shop!! A "taste of home".

Thank you as well Paula Pederson, the Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly, Ed Zaparaniuk of Tim Hortons, Sears and of course.. the parents of our Soldiers!

A great big HUA! The soldiers will truly appreciate all your efforts! I know we do!