Recognizing soldiers of all backgrounds

November 13, 2018

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The Equity

The municipalities of Fort Coulonge and Mansfield et Pontefract held their joint Remembrance Day ceremony on Saturday, where nearly 30 wreaths were laid at the cenotaph. From left: Cpl. Tom Blanchard, Steven Levesque, and Cpl. Yves Estime at the service, as Levesque purifies the monuments in recognition of Indigenous soldiers’ role in the military.

Donald Teuma-Castelletti
FORT COULONGE
Nov. 10, 2018
Remembrance Day was marked by the municipalities of Fort Coulonge and Mansfield et Pontefract on Saturday morning, with a special tribute to Indigenous soldiers taking place towards the end of the service.
Over 100 gathered at the Fort Coulonge cenotaph for the service, where soldiers from CFB Petawawa joined the ceremony, guarding the monument, escorting those laying wreaths, and marching in the parade.
The service was organized by Pierre Bourassa on behalf of the municipalities. Having helped with it for over 10 years, he said he continues to do so in honour of the Second World War veterans lost within the last decade.

Corporals Anis Afforma, Tom Blanchard, Yves Estime, and Dan Pickering stood guard at the cenotaph, while Cpl. Justin Burman and Sgt. Dave Miller assisted with the wreath laying. Worn Officer Aaron Judson was parade commander for the rest of the soldiers in attendance.
Nearly 30 wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, with the ceremony preceded by the traditional gestures of respect for such a service.
Towards the end of the service, Steven Levesque paid tribute to all Indigenous soldiers who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces, with an act of purification.
“This is to mark their sacrifices, and to thank them for fighting,” said Levesque, adding that Indigenous CAF members have always played a part in defending their country.

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