To see all the pictures, CLICK HERE.
The war in Europe ended on May 8th, 1945, and is celebrated on that date since. This year, the Le Souvenir Francais organization held a celebration and remembrance at the Amicitia Monument in section 27 of Beechwood Cemetery on May 7th, 2023, the closest Sunday to the actual Day.
Presiding over the ceremony was LCol Carl Gauthier who started the ceremony promptly at 1030 hours with opening remarks. In fairness to all, the entire ceremony was in French and as I don’t speak French, I won’t pretend to report what was said or by whom. However, the first speaker was BGen. Julie Pelletier, Chief of Staff – Cdn Special Operations Forces Command who spoke eloquently for a few minutes and was then followed by the French Defence Attaché, Col Bruno Heluin. Ottawa City Councillor Steves Deroches finished those making remarks.
The wreaths were then laid at the monument starting with GBen. Pelletier for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces and Col. Heluin on behalf of France.
There was then a small presentation ceremony in which LCol Carl Gauthier and LCol Sylvain Neveu were awarded the Médaille de la Défense Nationale from Col Heluin on behalf of the French Government. This brought the ceremony to a close.
So, with all pigs fed and ready to fly, the guests disbanded, or milled around and took pictures in front of the monument.
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