Citizenship
Striving for a Better Canada
Awards are presented to outstanding citizens in recognition of their valued service and contributions to their community. Participation in Remembrance Day Services and by laying wreaths at the Cenotaph are a few of the ways IODE members honor our veterans and pay tribute to our Canadian troops.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Battle of Paardeberg was the first time men in Canadian uniform, fighting in a Canadian unit, made war overseas. It also gave Canada its first remembrance day; form 1900 until the end of the First World War, Canadians gathered not on November 11th but on February 27th - Paardeberg Day - to commemorate the country's war dead and its achievements in South Africa. 2014 Royal Tour Begins in Halifax, Nova ScotiaThe Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall began their 4 day visit to Canada on Sunday May 18th, landing at the Stanfield International Airport. The Official Welcome to Canada was held at the Grand Parade in Halifax. Halifax, being a naval city where thousands of military personnel embarked on transatlantic journeys to serve during the Second World War, Prince Charles reflected on Canada’s contribution to the War. Canada’s military involvement was the central theme of the royal couple’s tour of Halifax. Charles commented on the number of soldiers, sailors and airmen from Canada who fought to liberate Europe, calling it “an extraordinary contribution” from a country with a small population. A light mist hung over Grand Parade as Charles and Camilla were officially welcomed to Canada by Governor General David Johnston, politicians and an aboriginal elder. A 21-gun royal salute echoed through the city’s downtown as the prince inspected an honour guard. Canada’s wartime history was also featured as Charles and Camilla visited Halifax’s Pier 21, the home of Canada’s National Museum of Immigration, where they met war brides. About 48,000 young women married Canadian servicemen during the Second World War, most of them from Britain. Charles and Camilla met military families at the Military Family Resource Centre. The Centre provides support to military families with a number of programs while their loved ones are on deployment. Charles also watched a ball hockey game outside the Centre. Charles toured the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market and met with vendors, local farmers and artisans at their kiosks. The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Northbrook Community Centre in Dartmouth meeting with representatives of Alice Housing, which provides shelter and counselling for women and children escaping domestic abuse. The Prince planted a tree at the city’s Public Gardens, continuing a tradition started by King George VI in June 1939. The visit by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess was meant to celebrate Canada’s past and future at a time when a number of significant anniversaries will be commemorated over the next few years, including the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. The royal couple ended their brief stay in Nova Scotia at a celebration of Pictou’s Celtic heritage at The Quay that houses a replica of the ship Hector, a three-mast cargo vessel that landed in the community in September 1773 carrying Scottish Highlanders. Its journey marked the start of a wave of immigration from Scotland. Welcoming New Canadians
IODE Members Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
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