Veterans honoured at emotional tea

Ken Johnston

Several tears were shed on Saturday at a special service to honour war veterans, both those who died and those who survived WWI, WWII and the Korean War.
The annual Rainy River Railroad Daze Parade was dedicated to the Year of the Veteran and following the special parade a tea that had about 150 people in attendance was held at the Rainy River Legion.
Legion Ladies Auxiliary President Verna Barsy welcomed everyone to the tea. Mayor Glen Armstrong declared it open and then special Year of the Veteran pins were presented to the following veterans: Elma Puzey, Fred Hartnell, Don Budreau, Herb Nelson, Joan Hall, Harry Arnould, Wilf Henrickson, Jim Archie, Pat Murray, Les Ivall, Alex Beyak, Buzz Miniely, Reg Kaus, Bruce Pope, Manny Nordin, Don Fraser, Willy Almers, Ken Mason, Jack Rattigan, Scott Gosnell, Albert Rodegard, Alphonse Brouillette, Ev Moen, Chipper Bourre and Conrad Berglund.
M.P.P. Howard Hampton then spoke about his trip overseas last year where he saw first hand how many Canadians lost their lives in the name of peace. “The hardest part for me was visiting the cemeteries. There are rows and rows of grave stones all that say “18, 19, 18, 18...” He added, “You think to yourself what a sacrifice.”
Hampton said the entire experience moved him in a way that made him tell those present at the tea, “We can not let this happen again.” He said so many wars can be prevented. “It is important to say thank you to our veterans and that we do our part to make sure this does not happen again.”
After Hampton’s emotional speech Jeff Fraser of Rainy River sang Amazing Grace and truly got the tears flowing as he touched a chord with so many people in the hall. He dedicated the song to fallen veterans and those who came back.
A plaque commemorating Year of the Veteran was presented by Barsy to Legion President Gerry Marchuk to hang in the hall and a special remembrance candle was lit by Aux. Veteran Committee member Pearl Ivall. Two minutes of silence was also observed by all present.
After the service lunch and tea was served by the Auxiliary.