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Luncheon for Silver Cross Mother

Her Excellency hosted luncheon at Rideau Hall to pay tribute to this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Wilhelmina Beerenfenger-Koehler whose son, the late Corporal Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger was killed near Kabul, Afghanistan in October 2003. The explosion, believed to have been triggered by the vehicle in which he was on patrol, also killed Sergeant Robert Short. Both were serving with the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian regiment Battle Group as part of Operation ATHENA, Canada’s military commitment to the International Security Assistance Force, the NATO-led mission in Kabul. The National Silver Cross Mother is chosen annually by the Royal Canadian Legion to represent mothers who have lost their children in the military service of our country at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa.

Pictured are representatives of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Halifax Military Family Resource Centre, and young artist Boyce Purcell, who were involved in bringing to Rideau Hall an exhibit which showcases the feelings and emotions of families bidding farewell to mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, adjusting to changes in their daily lives, and then celebrating the safe return of their loved ones. The exhibit is presented in the Ambassador’s Room at Rideau Hall until December 2007.

Photo Information

Date: November 11, 2007
Photographer: Cpl Bern Leblanc, National Defence
Photo Number: 1

References

• Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the occasion of Remembrance Day – November 11, 2007