To the editor:
The 100th anniversary of the end of the first world war was held at the community auditorium Sunday afternoon.
I am compelled to write this letter because this historical event was well attended, very well organized, informative and quite touching.
The regiments paraded past onlookers at 1:00 p.m. as scheduled and then returned for an appreciative hand-clapping standing ovation as they paraded into the auditorium to their reserved seating at the front of the stage.
After introducing politicians and ranking officers the MC introduced an indigenous woman who sang In Flanders Fields which was a lovely version reminding me also that the idea of the poppy originated here in Port Arthur back in 1921.
The Royal Canadian Air Force band which was a complete symphony entertained us three times with medleys from the era Even singling out Corporal James our local TBSO trumpet player for a solo with orchestra accompaniment and showcasing the different regiments. They were fabulous.
A short film by local Kelly Saxberg and partner John of wartime events derived from a diary from her grandfather was also part of the program. What an eye-opener as the documentary captured much to be desired of life on the front lines and our local participation.
With the history of pictures and stories being told the fact that stuck in my head upon leaving was that our country lost 10 per cent of our enlisted Canadians in WW1 but locally it was 25 per cent that lost their lives.
Thank you for this emotional event and thank you to all that serve and who have served to make this country great.
See you Nov. 11 at the cenotaph.
Rhonda Koski,
Thunder Bay
