Recently, Pacific Region had the pleasure of hosting Carmen Provenzano, Parliamentary Secretary Veterans Affairs Canada, to a wonderful weekend of commemorative ceremonies.

God's Acre - Candlelight Tribute
Victoria - Friday, September 15

It began on a clear evening, dusk falling ever so gently . . . an imposing full moon . . . a dark, picturesque and historic wooded cemetery . . . 1,100 soft red glimmers of hope and remembrance. This was the first Candlelight Tribute in God's Acre Veterans Cemetery.

1,100 glimmers of hope and remembrance at God's Acre Candlelight Tribute

The people of Victoria, with a very traditional society and a formidable military history, warmly embraced this unique commemorative ceremony. The goal of Veterans Affairs Canada was to respect the traditional remembrance ceremony yet introduce a learning opportunity for both the young and the old. Having this experience take place in one of our hidden but national historic treasures, was something that people were significantly moved by and which left a lasting impression.

The Honourable Garde Gardhom, Lieutenant-Governor for British Columbia, echoed these sentiments. He expressed his delight that so many young Canadians were in attendance and participated in the passing of the torch. This was the symbolism of the Candlelight Tribute as a dignitary passed the candle to a youth who assumed the responsibility to carry the legacy forward. Rear-Admiral Ron Buck, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific gave an impressive address. He emphasized to the young people the importance of being proud Canadians and learning more about Canada's military history, heritage and heroes.

As night fell, the ceremony continued. Shadows from the trees became quite formidable. The only light was that from the soft red glows of the candles and the gentle commentary made one put aside the often-slight trepidation about being in a cemetery. It became a place of learning and an experience of remembrance.

Christin Schroeder, a 14-year-old from Shownigan Lake, read a poem she had written about veterans. The audience fell silent as this young Canadian emotionally shared her thoughts about remembrance. This was followed by the acappella of "The Maples of the Valley" by Ronnie Way, a Vancouver singer/songwriter. His voice seemed to echo in and out of the trees.

With more than 400 people in attendance, the ceremony would not soon to be forgotten, as we learned through the wonderful and encouraging comments throughout the weekend.

Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal
Official Presentations
Victoria - Saturday, September 16

The following morning, on the picturesque and beautifully gardened grounds of the B.C. Legislature, the first provincial commemorative ceremony for the presentation of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal was held. This was the inaugural representation of Carmen Provenzano as Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans Affairs Canada, and he was warmly welcomed by the Veterans' Organizations and Maritime Forces Pacific Command.

The "March on of Colours" and the "Veteran Marching Contingent" was overwhelming and indescribable. More than 200 proud Peacekeeping veterans stood before a crowd of more than 700 to receive this long overdue recognition and honour.

Left to right: Rear Admiral R.D. Buck, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific; An R.C.M.P. Peacekeeping Veteran; Harold Leduc, President of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association; Garde Gardom, Lieutenant Governor of B.C.; Carmen Provenzano, Parliamentary Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and Simon Cokeley, Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Relations and Commemoration, Veterans Affairs Canada.

Perhaps what made this ceremony belong so strongly to the veterans in attendance as well as the Island community, was the hometown knowledge of the steadfast perseverance of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association. This organization was instrumental in developing the original concept and design of the medal. Over the years, it was through their lobbying and tireless efforts with Jack Fraser, former Member of Parliament who sponsored Bill C-300, that made this day a reality.

Carmen Provenzano, Veterans Affairs Parliamentary Secretary, pins the Canadian Peacekeeping Service medal on a peacekeeping veteran.

Harold Leduc, President of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association commented upon the struggle, the disappointments and now the final acclaim so justly deserved by peacekeeping veterans coast to coast. He joined Mr. Provenzano and other dignitaries for the ceremonial pinning of the medals on the proud veterans with families and the public applauding their accomplishments.

North Vancouver Candlelight Tribute
North Vancouver - Saturday, September 16

The North Vancouver Cemetery Candlelight Tribute, nestled at the base of wooded mountain terrain, was in honour of "All Those Who Served".

Mr. Provenzano was the Key Note Speaker. He gave a poignant address about Canadian sacrifices and accomplishments that formed the foundation in the development of our nation. He spoke about the gratitude all citizens should embrace, living in a country that was built upon the selfless acts of so many men and women who have come before us.

"Veterans don't ask much of us. Just that we remember the sacrifices of their fallen comrades. That is a duty we hold as citizens of this great country Canada," commented Carmen Provenzano. "And so it is more than appropriate that the Veterans this evening join the youth of today, to light these candles in honour of all those who served."

The Consul General of the Netherlands, A.J.M. Verdegaal, gave an impressive address as he spoke about the horrors of war. He stressed how revered Canadians are overseas, but also gave a word of caution. He indicated that there is a minority public who no longer wants to remember war. "The importance of keeping these legacies alive through commemoration may at some time be lost on future generations, if ceremonies such as we are experiencing tonight are not encouraged everywhere."

AJM Verdegaal Consul General for the Netherlands	Carmen Provenzano Parliamentary Secretary Veterans Affairs
Beaver and Cub Scout placing candles at North Vancouver ceremony	"Smoky" Smith after placing candle at North Vancouver ceremony
Veteran and Sea Cadet place their candles at North Vancouver ceremony

In planning commemorative ceremonies, the Pacific Region encourages community involvement by profiling young British Columbia artisans. Kristi McNicholl wrote and recited an incredible poem which demonstrated deep foresight for such a young Canadian. Ronnie Way and Vancouver Singer/Songwriter performed with his family "The Maples of the Valley", a song he wrote in tribute to his grandfather, Harold Richard Young, a hero of the First World War.

As the Pacific Region bid farewell to the visiting Veterans Affairs Canada dignitaries, the weekend had not yet ended. On Sunday, a commemorative ceremony was held to pay tribute to the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

This was the 51st consecutive annual observance of this special day in the history of the English-speaking world. Often referred to as the "...decisive action of the Second World War", this was remembered through a very moving and traditional ceremony at the Air Forces Garden of Remembrance in Stanley Park. Again, the representation from our young Canadians was outstanding as the Air Force Cadets numbered more than 250.