Ramp Ceremony in Afghanistan

Hundreds of soldiers attended a twilight ramp ceremony Sunday at Kandahar airfield to pay tribute to two Canadian soldiers killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
Cpl. Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp, 28, and Pte. Michel Levesque, 25, were riding in a light armoured vehicle that drove over a large improvised explosive device early Saturday.
The blast, 40 kilometres west of Kandahar, also claimed the life of an Afghan interpreter and injured three Canadian soldiers.


The flag-draped casket of Cpl. Beauchamp of the 5th Field Ambulance in Valcartier, Que., was carried by his fellow medics to a waiting Hercules transport plane to take him on his journey home. Photo: Cpl Simon Duchesne
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Photo: Cpl Simon Duchesne

Cpl. Dolores Crampton (common law wife of Cpl. Nicolas Beauchamp) walks behind the casket of her husband. She carried his beret as she walked behind the coffin and later boarded the plane with him for the long journey home.

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Photo: Cpl Simon Duchesne

The flag draped casket of Pte. Lévesque, of Quebec's Royal 22nd Regiment at Valcartier is carried by his fellow comrades to an awaiting Hercules plane to bring him home to an 18-year-old pregnant fiancée in Rivière-Rouge, a small village north of the Laurentians. Just last week, the young couple became engaged while Levesque was on a two-week leave.
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Photo: Cpl Simon Duchesne
They are coming home. Bless Pte. Levesque and Cpl. Beauchamp and their families - their military families still serving over seas and their families awaiting their arrival home. They shall be remembered always.

Military Families Fund

Illustration credit: David Craig

On t.v. lately there have been announcements from the military in regards to the Military Families Fund. Personally I have served on the "deployment as a Military Mom" continuing constant support of our troops - yet wondering and worrying, yes many tears, feeling afraid, however keeping my chin up and always looking to my son with pride and always being here for him... and for other families. I know soon, I will be on this " deployment mission" again. (I know many local and national military families are and have always been here supporting our troops through rallies, letters, banners, yellow ribbon campaigns, endless care packages, .. and LOTS of love. Now the soldiers have turned to help us.) Today, I thought I'd provide details for you about the Military Families Fund. Thank you to our Chief of Defence Staff Rick Hillier for initiating this fund and our wonderful soldiers and CFPSA for supporting us - your military families.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, in recognition of the outpouring of support from Canadians, announced the creation of the Military Families Fund. This fund will grow through the generous contributions of Canadians, corporations and other organizations, adding a new vehicle to support Canadian Forces members and their families.

"When our families call out for help, we must be able to answer that call immediately and substantially. Our families have been here for us through our enrolment, our training, our deployments, and our homecomings. The military life places significant demands on our loved ones. They did not volunteer for service – but serve they do, and with great distinction. It is our turn to be there for our families.” General Rick Hillier Chief of the Defence Staff.

The Military Families Fund (MFF) is an agile and responsive means for Base and Wing Commanders, in concert with Military Family Resource Centers (MFRC) across the country, to help military families within hours of being advised of need. It will help with short-term emergencies and also provide long-term support. The MFF allows CF leadership to meet the special-case needs of CF members and their families with speed and flexibility not always available through the traditional programs.

The MFF enhances and complements, it does not replace, existing public and non-public programs. The Fund fills the gaps by providing for the unforeseen and often immediate needs that families may have due to conditions of service .

The MFF allows for several areas of support by way of interest-free loan or grants, including rehabilitation, education, financial assistance in the case of injury or death of a CF member due to service, and urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk.

Contributions can be made either:

On-line: https://www.cfpsa.com/en/corporate/mfamily/contributions/default.aspx

By Mail - make cheque or money order payable to:

CFCF - Military Families Fund

c/o Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency

4210 Labelle Street

Ottawa, ON K1A 0K2

By calling: 1-877-445-6444

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: http://www.militaryfamiliesfund.ca/

2 NATO Soldiers and Interpreter Killed

Two soldiers of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and their interpreter were killed Saturday morning in southern Afghanistan when their vehicle was caught in an improvised explosive devices explosion, said an ISAF statement.
A further three soldiers were also injured in the same incident who are currently undergoing treatment at an ISAF medical facility, the statement added.
In accordance with ISAF policy, ISAF does not release the casualty's nationality prior to the relevant national authority doing so.
Some 55,000 foreign troops are being deployed in the war-torn Afghanistan for keeping security and fighting terrorism.

Bless all our NATO soldiers and and their families.

UPDATED (11 am):
Two Canadian Soldiers Killed:

Cpl. Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp of the 5th Field Ambulance in Valcartier

(28 yrs of age)

To view or sign the guestbook for the family of Cpl Beauchamp,

click here :

and

Pte. Michel Levesque of the Royal 22nd (25 yrs old)

To view or sign the guestbook for the family of Pte Levesque,

click here:

Their Afghan interpreter were killed and three other soldiers were wounded in a roadside bomb attack in Kandahar province early today. The soldiers were traveling in a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) when it struck a landmine on a road near Bazar-e Panjwaii, west of Kandahar City. The three soldiers wounded in the attack were transported to hospital at Kandahar Air Field. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening, a Canadian Forces official said. “ISAF troops contend with the threat of (bomb) strikes on a daily basis, but our soldiers continue to improve the security situation and make a very real and positive difference to the lives of normal hardworking Afghan people,” said Wing Commander Antony McCord, a spokesman for Regional Command South. “Our thoughts at this time are with the families and friends of those who have been killed or injured in today’s incident,” he said in the ISAF statement. Today, a series of clashes in southern Afghanistan left 33 suspected Taliban militants dead, while a suicide bomber in the east wounded a NATO soldier, officials said. At least four police officers also died in the fighting. Twenty-three Taliban militants were killed during a U.S.-led coalition operation aimed at disrupting a weapons transfer in southern Afghanistan, the coalition said today. A truck apparently full of Taliban weapons exploded during the operation in Helmand province’s Garmsir district. The coalition said it didn’t known what triggered the explosion. Coalition troops detained 11 people suspected of being part of a weapons running operation. Elsewhere in Kandahar province, Canadian and Afghan troops battled militants in the Zhari district today, leaving at least 10 suspected militants dead, according to provincial police chief Sayed Agha Saqeb. Authorities recovered the bodies of four of the dead militants alongside their weapons and ammunition, Saqeb said. There were no casualties among the Canadian and Afghan troops. In a separate attack yesterday, one Afghan civilian was killed and two others injured when a suicide bomber on a motorbike ignited against a passing ISAF convoy in the Chaparhar district of Nangarhar province. The ISAF vehicle was badly damaged but only one ISAF service member sustained minor injuries. “Once again we have an incident in which Afghan civilians end up suffering from Taliban extremists using indiscriminate weapons,” said Brig.-Gen. Carlos Branco, an ISAF spokesman. “Eighty per cent of the victims of Taliban suicide bombings are civilians."

Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Deaths of Two Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan
The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the death of two Canadian soldiers and one Afghan interpreter and the wounding of three soldiers:"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Corporal Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp and Private Michel Jr. Levesque, who died yesterday in Afghanistan. I would like to extend my condolences to their families and friends during this very difficult time. I also wish a quick recovery for the other Canadian soldiers injured in this incident.My sympathies also go out to the family and friends of an Afghan interpreter who lost his life in this incident. This courageous Afghan national gave his life in support of the mission to help Afghanistan achieve peace, stability and the hope for a better future.These soldiers were participating in a joint operation to further stabilize the Panjwayi district, west of Kandahar City. These soldiers were in Afghanistan to help bring back hope to a population that has seen much hardship and turmoil.Canada is in Afghanistan at the request of the democratically elected government, and as part of a UN-sanctioned mission to help build a stable, democratic, and self-sufficient society. Rebuilding schools, hospitals, and roads as well as training Afghan security forces cannot occur in an unstable environment. Our Canadian Forces members are playing a key role in this NATO-led mission, helping improve the security situation in order to create the conditions necessary for Afghans to live normal lives.We will remain forever grateful for the sacrifice of these brave soldiers, and we are all saddened by the loss of these exceptional Canadians."

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada:
My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were deeply saddened to learn of the recent deaths of two soldiers Corporal Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp, 5e Ambulance de campagne, and Private Michel Jr. Levesque, 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, both based out of Valcartier, Quebec, as well as the death of an Afghan interpreter, west of Kandahar, in Afghanistan.Our thoughts are with their families, friends and loved ones, whose anguish, suffering and distress are unimaginable. We also extend our wishes for courage and a prompt recovery to those injured in this tragedy.These soldiers and their comrades went to Afghanistan with confidence in the importance of their mission: to rebuild this war-torn country, and to restore and maintain peace for its people. They offered up the very best of themselves, right to the end. We will never forget them.Michaelle Jean
Corporal Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp was member of 5e Ambulance de campagne and Private Michel Jr Levesque was members of 3e Bataillon of Royal 22e Regiment, based out of Valcartier Quebec.
Statement by the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Leader of the Opposition:
I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Corporal Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp of the 5th Field Ambulance in Valcartier and Private Michel Lévesque of Quebec’s Royal 22nd Regiment, killed in Afghanistan this morning. This immense tragedy drives home the very real perils that members of the Canadian Forces face every day, as they risk their lives to create a safer and more secure world for the people of Afghanistan. Members of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus join me in expressing our most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of these brave Canadians as they cope with this tremendous loss. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the family and friends of the Afghan interpreter who also died in the attack, as well as the three other soldiers who were wounded.

Remembering Our Soldiers November 11th, 2007

WATERLOO, ON

It was an chilly and overcast day in Waterloo this day, although our hearts were warm. In the background, one could hear drums and the sound of soldiers' boots hitting the pavement as they marched in unison.
Waterloo photos by: Military Mom
Some soldiers dressed in green fatigues and others dressed sharply in their dress uniforms (many with glistening ISAF medals adorned on their chests - Canada's own Veterans - returned from their rotation in Afghanistan) - boots highly polished marched towards Waterloo's cenotaph.

Amidst the group were Waterloo Region Police Officers, RCMP officers, Cadets.. and yes .. our Veterans from Canada's other wars and peacekeeping missions -a walking history - some arrived with the assistance of canes, walkers or scooters. The crowd, proud of our troops past and present, applauding them with tears as they passed. The sun broke through the skies above the auburn leaves in the trees as the Waterloo Cenotaph service began with an invocation by Padre Bernie Hayes. Such an eloquent speaker easily touching our hearts. Prayers were said for our Veterans, our soldiers and families. This was followed by the Waterloo regional police band playing O Canada and the playing of the Last Lament by Adam Annandale. Sniffles and tears were easily had as each reflected on this day. Some were parents of soldiers currently serving overseas. This is a very emotional day for these parents as well as parents of our fallen soldiers. My heart goes out to them.

100 wreaths were laid this day in honour of our soldiers. The wreath for "Soldiers in Afghanistan" was laid by Cpl. Sugrim and Cpl. Hunt. (Both returning Vets from Afghanistan. It's a true honour to know these gentlemen.)


Many, many people - soldiers, firefighters, cadets, Veterans participated during this Remembrance Ceremony. Truly amazing seeing the diversity of those we honour this day and always. Many veterans, wearing uniforms and service medals, watched from the comfort of the rail car as prayers were said, a two-minute silence observed and 100 wreaths honouring Canada's war dead were laid at the cenotaph. Other veterans stood with the crowd or sat on their scooters. Many chatted with children about their war experiences. Waterloo's was one of several Remembrance Day services in the region. Services were held at cenotaphs in Kitchener, Preston, Hespeler and Galt.

A Veteran is seen saluting as serving and returning soldiers and are seen in the background.

At the end of the services, soldiers "fall out" and march towards and along King Street in Waterloo accompanied by applause of appreciation of many people attending the Remembrance Day Ceremony in Waterloo.

Lest we forget... yes lest we forget.

Seen here (front centre) is Cpl Lock of 31 Combat Engineer Regiment (The Elgins) - a returning Veteran having served in Afghanistan.


Following the parade, soldiers met with fellow comrades - veterans, young and old - a chance to catch up with each other or a chance to live history through their eyes.

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To our soldiers, I say: "Thank You. You shall always be remembered."

In Waterloo, Krebs (Ali Baba) Steakhouse served free steak to the Veterans. Thank you to the Staff at Krebs for honouring our soldiers.

In CAMBRIDGE, more than 1,000 people ringed Queen's Square for Remembrance Day services at the Galt cenotaph. It was easily the largest turnout for the service in recent years.

The throng was up to five people deep around the 300 participants in the ceremonies, including the Royal Highland Fusiliers militia unit.
Photo by: Richard Lock

Wreath of "Soldiers in Afghanistan" being laid by parents of returned Afghan Veteran.

Photo by: John Prno

Photo by: Richard Lock

The Preston Legion donated this wreath for Soldiers in Afghanistan saying: "there will be a wreath for them until they all come home".

Photo by: Richard Lock

Grey clouds gave way to warm sunshine as the crowd offered sustained applause to soldiers, three bands and Galt legion members as they marched across the Main Street bridge to end the service.

Photo by: John Prno

Then dozens of people stepped forward into Queen's Square for a closer look at a new memorial installed this year. It's intended to honour soldiers from Cambridge who died on peacekeeping duties since 1954, or in the Vietnam War.

In OTTAWA:

Photo seen here placed in Ottawa of Graham Private Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario. He died Monday September 4th, 2006 in a friendly fire incident. (Our prayers are with all the families of our Fallen Soldiers)
Clockwise from top left: Silver Cross Mother Claire Léger (second left) is flanked by husband Richard and Governor General Michaëlle Jean; poppies are placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; two veterans remember in silence.

On a disappointing note, I had read a poll on Friday in The Record (newspaper website) that recorded 60 per cent of respondents saying they would not observe the day.

As Herbert V. Prochnow said: "A great many people mistake opinions for thoughts."

Remember Them

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To Those Who Have Served

and

To Those Who Are Serving

Lest We Forget

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Thank Our Veterans

Thank you Anita and Rita for sending this my way. It's a very powerful piece. Bless all our Veterans (in Canada, the U.S. - worldwide)

It is the VETERAN , not the preacher,
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN , not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN , not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer,
Who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN , not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN ,
Who salutes the Flag,

It is the veteran ,
Who serves under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

Photo credit: Chris Wattie, Reuters

The Veteran On Our Ten Dollar Bill

• If you have a Canadian $10 bill, look at the back right side of the bill.
• You will see an old veteran standing at attention near the Ottawa war memorial.
• His name is Robert Metcalfe and he died at the age of 90.
• That he managed to live to that age is rather remarkable, given what happened in the Second World War.
• Born in England, he one of the 400,000 members of the British Expeditionary Force sent to the mainland where they found themselves facing the new German warfare technique - the Blitzkrieg.
• He was treating a wounded comrade when he was hit in the legs by shrapnel.
• Enroute to hospital, his ambulance came under fire from a German tank, which then miraculously ceased fire.
• Evacuated from Dunkirk on HMS Grenade, two of the sister ships with them were sunk.
• Recovered, he was sent to allied campaigns in north Africa and Italy.
• Enroute his ship was chased by the German battleship Bismarck.
• In North Africa he served under General Montgomery against the Desert Fox, Rommel
• Sent into the Italian campaign, he met his future wife, a lieutenant and physiotherapist in a Canadian hospital.
• They were married in the morning by the mayor of the Italian town, and again in the afternoon by a British padre.
• After the war they settled in Chatham where he went into politics and became the warden (chairman) of the county.
• At the age of 80 he wrote a book about his experiences and on his retirement he and his wife moved to Ottawa.
• One day out of the blue he received a call from a government official asking him to go downtown for a photo op.
• He wasn't told what the photo was for or why they chose him.
• "He had no idea he would be on the bill," his daughter said.
  

And now you know the rest of the story of the veteran on the $10 bill.

A letter was recently written to the Editor of this woman's local paper. It was a letter regarding the Families of Canadian Soldier's recent Friday Red Rally held October 26. The letter was published-however it was an "editted" version. I am publishing the letter in its entirety here.
Thank you Jane for speaking up on behalf of families of soldiers and supporters present at the rally.

October 29, 2007,

John Roe, Editorial Page Editor
The Record
jroe@therecord.com

Dear Sir

A Red Shirt Rally was held last Friday, October 26th at the Waterloo Cenotaph. Although the Record was notified well in advance they chose not to report on it. The anti-war protest on Saturday received a large headline and several paragraphs of coverage in the Monday paper. According to the Record, the protesters oppose the mission but they do support the troops. The Red Shirt Rally was neither supporting nor opposing the mission but was simply to support the troops.
Since the Record chose not to report on this community event, I would like to use this forum to inform the Record readers of the Red Shirt Rally that was organized by the family support group, Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan. It is estimated that about 300 people attended through the 12 to 1 time period.
There was a minute of silence, Piper Cpl Ryan Pagnacco played the lament “Flowers of the Forest” and later on Amazing Grace. Dan Gray read his poem,” Red Friday Rally”. Capt Phil Ralph representing the Sapper Mike McTeague’s Wounded Warrior Fund, spoke about the formation of this fund and what the donations are used for. Rick Poland, whose brother was killed this past Easter, came from Sarnia to show his appreciation for all the support he and his family have received in their bereavement.
Again this year, a banner was available for everyone to sign so that they could send personal messages to our troops. We know that the soldiers who are serving abroad very much appreciate knowing that we are thinking of them, and will read every name on that banner when it arrives at the Kandahar Air Field.
Through the sale of hamburgers and hot dogs, over $1000.00 was raised for the Wounded Warrior Fund. Further funds were raised from sales of “Support Our Troops” merchandise that is sanctioned by the Canadian Forces. The sale of red shirts, yellow ribbon pins and other items supports the Military Family Resource Centres which are situated on or near military bases.
Without the participation and donations from local businesses, radio stations and others who helped, this event would not have been the success that we deemed it to be. We thank all those who took time over their lunch hour to pay tribute to our soldiers for the many sacrifices they make to serve our country. Between deployments they spend many weeks and months away from their homes taking courses and in field exercises. They miss the family events that mean so much – family milestones, celebrations, or lending support in sickness or bereavement. When they are deployed to Afghanistan, or anywhere else, they are taken away from all that is familiar and they cope with what is thrust upon them, often in the very worst of circumstances.
Think of them now and Wear Red on Friday.
THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN SO FAR AWAY FROM HOME

Jane Annandale
Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan

Rockets Slam Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan during MacKay Visit

From The Edmonton Sun
At FORWARD OPERATING BASE WILSON, Afghanistan —
The unmistakable bang, the angry buzz of a rocket and a loud explosion shattered the relative quiet at this forward base Tuesday as Defence Minister Peter MacKay was visiting Canadian troops.
After the first incoming rocket whizzed overhead, MacKay’s bodyguards went into full battle alert, grabbing their helmets, clutching their guns, calling for a light armoured vehicle with which to safeguard the minister.
MacKay is making his first trip to Afghanistan since taking over the defence portfolio in mid-August.
He was not hurt, but the attack cut short the day’s plans for him to travel through parts of southern Afghanistan.
Half an hour after a second rocket landed, a Blackhawk helicopter shuttled the minister away while another chopper circled the base keeping a close eye on the ground.
The second attack, coming 15 minutes after the first, found its mark inside the base, causing minor injuries to four soldiers. They were airlifted to the main base at Kandahar Airfield.
The rocket landed in a cloud of smoke and dust about 50 metres away from soldiers and reporters who dived to the ground for cover, seeking shelter against a cement wall at the forward base in the volatile Zhari district of Kandahar province.
“Run now! Run to the vehicles!” yelled one soldier. “Go, go, go!”
What ensued was a 25-meter dash, heads low as everyone sought shelter in a number of light armoured vehicles parked nearby.
“Straight to the vehicles,” shouted Col. Stephane Lafaut, commander of the Canadian military’s Operational Liaison Mentoring Team.
Only seconds earlier, Lafaut was doing interviews with reporters waiting for a chance to follow MacKay around the base.
“We heard the explosion,” MacKay recounted later. “We heard the whistle overhead. We were told to get down. We did.”
“Everything went like clockwork. We were taken out of harm’s way very quickly, put in an armoured vehicle. The people I’m travelling with are consummate professionals.”
MacKay praised the “cool ... professional” way the troops at the base reacted under attack, and expressed concerns for the four wounded soldiers. “Thankfully these were non-life-threatening injuries. They were treated immediately.”
In Ottawa, Gen. Rick Hillier, the chief of defence staff, said the soldiers’ injuries were so minor that they have returned to their posts.
Hillier told reporters he believed the base was the intended target — not MacKay. “The minister was not subjected to an attack,” he said.
“What was subjected to an attack was one of our forward operating bases. That has been consistent, because the Taliban have been driven back and they have to resort to long-distance attacks in most cases,” Hillier said.
But a rocket attack on the base when Canada’s defence minister is visiting is a concern, admitted Lafaut.
“Every time you hear one, it is not a good sign. It means the enemy still has some freedom of movement,” said Lafaut.
“We see that as a desperate move because we have disturbed a lot of their freedom in the last two or three months. Sometimes they commence a little offensive action like this.”
The colonel gave MacKay full credit for visiting the war zone.
“It’s important for the military to know that our politicians are supporting us. They come here on the ground and speak to our troops and support us,” Lafaut said.
“They assume the same risks as us, and we’re quite proud to see that.”
There’s a reason that Canada still maintains a strong presence in the Zhari region.
The Taliban still roam this land — a study in contrasts of deserts and lush fields of grapes, marijuana and opium.
There was an ambush earlier on the road leading to this base shortly before MacKay landed by helicopter. While violence and attacks are common, this particular day was out of the ordinary.
“It’s not like this all days. Today they have this special interest. I don’t know why,” Lafaut said with a shrug, tongue planted firmly in cheek.
“We’re still trying to find out where the fire was initiated from. We think we have spotted some observers from the (Canadian) battle group right now which is in charge of the security here and is working on that problem,” he said.
“I’m always nervous every time it happens because our soldiers are in danger. With the minister here, we are even more concerned.

Canada AM and Canadian Forces Training

Each day, this week (Nov 5-9th) on Canada AM, the CTV crew are visiting with the troops and taking an indepth look at Canada's areas of training.



Monday, they looked inside Wainright dubbed "Albertistan" - The Canadian Forces Training Base. (as the area and training resembles closely that of their impending tour in Afghanistan.)http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/HTMLTemplate/nocompress?content_type=video/x-ms-asf&brand=generic&tf=/ctv/generic/video/videoplayer.asx&c



Tuesday CTV looked at technology at CFB Wainright:


http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/HTMLTemplate/nocompress?content_type=video/x-ms-asf&brand=generic&tf=/ctv/generic/video/videoplayer.asx&cf=/ctv/generic/video/player.cfg&url=mms://ctvbroadcast.ctv.ca/video/2007/11/06/ctvvideologger2_500kbps_2007_11_06_1194353383.wmv&start=00:01:33.25&end=00:03:14.19&spd=hi&hub=related&ads=true



It's worth looking into.. check it out each morning. Thanks Paul.

Remembrance Highway - Autoroute du Souvenir

Part of a busy Quebec highway that provides a major link with Ontario is being renamed in honour of Canada's war dead. A stretch of Highway 20 between Montreal and the Ontario border, from the Turcot Interchange in Montreal to Riviere-Beaudette at the Ontario-Quebec border will officially be known as Autoroute du Souvenir. That translates as Remembrance Highway.
Premier Jean Charest made the announcement today at a news conference in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que., where there is a veterans hospital. Charest said it is important to commemorate the courage of fallen soldiers. He unveiled a green highway panel that features the words: Autoroute du Souvenir and a big red poppy. The stretch of highway has special significance because it travels past a veterans hospital and a military cemetery.
"We want to do a very special gesture and do something very significant, symbolically for the men and women who defend our freedoms," Charest told a hall full of aging veterans.
"It would be easy for us to forget unless we, as a society, commit to remembering and it's a commitment we're making today to never let the sacrifice of those who gave their lives be forgotten," Charest said.
In August, a part of Ontario's Highway 401 between Trenton and Toronto, often used to repatriate fallen Canadian soldiers, was renamed the Highway of Heroes.

RED FRIDAY - A Night for Military Familes

(click on flyer to enlarge)

Hosted by: "The Red Friday Ladies"

Thanks Lisa for the info. A special thanks to Karen and Lisa and all families and friends for supporting our troops!! HUA!

Support Our Troops Dance - Kingston, ON

Sunday, November 25th

Support Our Troops!

The Kingston & District Civitan Club proudly presents:

DaisyTrain LIVE

at

Joy Supper Club,

178 Ontario Street

Kingston, ON

$10 at the door

Opens 6:30pm

Show starts 7:30pm.
19+ Age of Majority ID Required.

Presented in part by Kingston's K-Rock 105.7

and

Kix 102.7 Today's Best Country

The proceeds raised going to Operation Santa Claus, a highly successful program that sends deployed Canadian Forces members a Christmas gift package filled with items in addition to letters and Christmas cards from school children and loved ones.

$8 Advance Tickets on sale starting October 8th at:

Kingston Guitar Shop (95 Clarence St.)

The Jungle (123 Princess St.)

Renaissance Music (1057 Midland Av.)

Brian's Record Option (381 Princess St.)

http://www.citylifeontario.com/civitan


http://www.daisytrain.ca/

Daisy Train is a five piece Retro Rock and Roll Party Band that combines hits of the 80s and 90s into an : "Unforgettable Party Experience"

Q107 - Rock the Troops

Classic Rock Q107 welcomes...... Rock the Troops
A full day of Rock and Roll to pay tribute to the troops! Featuring classic rock tribute bands including Mamakin, Aerosmith, Rock of Ages, Def lepard, Hot Rocks, The Rolling Stones, Gunz n Roses, Practically Hip - Tragically Hip, Van Halen and more!

Rock for the Troops

When: Nov 11, 2007 1:00 PM
Concert Rock for the Troops
Where: Grand Prix Kartways
Tickets: $10

Grand Prix Kartways
75 Carl Hall Road
Phone (416) 638-5278

A Night To Remember- Support Our Troops- Then and Now

A Night To Remember-Support Our Troops-Then & Now
Host by: The Honourable Dan McTeague P.C., M.P. Pickering Scarborough East
Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 6:30pm - 12:00am
Dalton Armoury, Scarborough, ON
37 Mid-Dominion Acres, West of Markham Road off Milner
Scarborough, ON

Contact Info Phone:
416.284.3333

tonystaceycentreevents@gmail.com

In partnership with the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association and the Canadian Army Veterans (CAV) Motorcycle Unit, the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care invites you to join us for an evening hosted by The Honourable Dan McTeague. The event is in support of the veterans of past and present, men and women who give so selflessly to ensure freedom and safety for all of us. Dress in your finest semi-formal attire to attend this incredible evening which includes:

-A fabulous dinner complete with appetizers, dessert, coffee/tea and a cash bar

-Guest speakers, including Dave Devall from CTV

-Silent Auction,

Door Prizes and much more

-Wheelchair accessibility

-Free parking

-entrance and parking at the rear of the building

Tickets may be purchased for $100

(cash, credit card or cheque payable to Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care)

Proceeds will go to the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care

The Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care is a long-term care facility that serves veterans as they served us—above and beyond the call of duty. Our home will stand as a beacon of long-term care for all, and fulfill our duty to those Canadian men and women who, in the face of an unspeakable fate, did the very same. For no matter what we give, they gave more.

Free mail to Deployed Canadian Troops

MANY MANY thanks and appreciation goes out to Canada Post again this year. They are doing it again for military families! Free shipping to Canadian troops serving in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sinai and Jerusalem and Afghanistan from October 27th to January 11th!

Here is the memo from their site. I might suggest printing it off and taking it with you to your local outlet when shipping out those care packages. You can tell... Christmas is in the air. Getttttt.... packing! :)





Canada Post Press Release

October 23, 2007
Free mail to deployed troops starts Friday
Ottawa - As of October 26th, Canada Post will begin providing free delivery of letters and parcels from family and friends to Canadian troops deployed in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas. While the free parcel service will be for the holiday season only (ending January 11th, 2008), letters will continue to be sent postage-free throughout 2008.
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for Canada Post, said he hopes the family and friends of Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas take advantage of this special initiative by sending words of encouragement and support. "Canadian men and women serving our country overseas will find joy, love and support in every delivery they receive, while friends and family members will be able to enjoy the benefit of free delivery."
“At Canada Post we want our troops to know how much we appreciate their dedication to our country” said Moya Greene, president and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Post. “Providing free delivery of letters and parcels from their family and friends reinforces our belief in each and every one of those troop members. For family and friends back in Canada, the opportunity to send the many letters and parcels free of charge by Canada Post, is a small blessing when loved ones are so far away from home” she added.
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. This includes members of the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sinai and Jerusalem. Canadian troops serving on any of the deployed Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships are also included in the offer.
To ensure the proper custom declaration form and addressing information are used, the letters and parcels must 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 be returned to sender as they will not qualify. Once an item has been accepted, it will 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.