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Port marks Vimy Ridge anniversary


by Eric O'Higgins-Port Clements marked the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the St. Mark's Church Millennium Park cenotaph, the most westerly ceremony on Canadian soil April 9 following the official ceremony at Vimy in France, the easternmost ceremony on Canadian soil.
Mayor Cory Delves read out the names of the 25 men from the Queen Charlotte Islands known to have lost their lives in the First World War. While the names were being read, a procession of residents placed daffodils at the foot of the cenotaph in their honour.
Pastor James Campbell recounted the history of the 1917 battle and later recited the Legion Prayer. The Gwaii Singers led the singing of O Canada and sang the choruses of There's a Long, Long Train a-Winding, with Erwin Roth on solo for the verses.
In the colour party for the occasion were Ron Hicks of Masset, Rob Gale of Masset, Roman Busshoff of Port and Joe Bradley of Masset.
Port Clements seniors organized the event, with Bunny Decembrini doing the lion's share of the work. Most of the 75 people attending adjourned to the community hall after the ceremony for hot dogs, cold cuts and other refreshments provided with the assistance of local businesses.