Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Ceremony

Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Ceremony

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 39 presented a Memorial Ceremony and Wreath Laying Service on September 19 at Vegreville Legion Hall.

This ceremony was to honour and remember the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on September 8, 2022.

President for RCL Branch No. 39 Terry Kuzyk said, “Usually when someone speaks at a memorial, they get up to talk about a relative or a friend. Today we pay tribute to a person none of us has ever met; yet someone who has been an integral part of our lives.

L-R: President of RCL Branch No. 39 Terry Kuzyk and Chaplain Reverend Laureta Blondin.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

A person whose face we see in portraits in public places, whoseface we see on our money and on our stamps. Whose Christmas message was part of our holiday celebrations every year.

A person to whom every elected official in Canada, every member of Canada’s military and police swears allegiance to when taking office; and to whom every Royal Canadian Legion member pledges to serve at every meeting they attend.

Of course, I’m speaking about Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Our system of law, our form of government, and in fact, the norms of our day-today society are based on an historic relationship that Canada has with the Crown.

In Queen Elizabeth II we have been fortunate in having a leader that not only understood the responsibilities, and duties, of her office but practiced them with selfless devotion, dedication and wisdom, often at the cost of her personal good.

Trumpeter (Bugler) Bill McMunn.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Her Majesty, like her father, had the Crown thrust on her without much warning or preparation. It is a tribute to her character that she was able to adapt and serve with the excellence she demonstrated over seven decades.

An example of her position on service is captured in this quote: “Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom, and we must always be ready to listen and respect other points of view.”

As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Her Majesty’s service during World War II. Like many Canadian youths she had to lobby her parents in order to have them accept her desire to serve in uniform.

L-R: Community Peace Officer for Vegreville Ken Podoborozny and Vegreville RCMP S/Sgt. Terry Hyggen.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

And serve she did; as a vehicle mechanic. A trade she was proud of and was happy to demonstrate her proficiency in when the opportunity arose long after the war.

After living under a monarch who held the Crown for 70 years, a monarch that was the only one many of us knew we are moving into a new, and unknown era. As we do, we will have the reign of Her Majesty to serve as a benchmark; not only for ourselves but for our new King.

On behalf of the members of Vegreville Branch, I want to pledge allegiance to His Majesty and wish him a long and peaceful reign.” Kuzyk said.

One major difference that people did and will be forth coming in ceremonies in the future was people sang, ‘God Save the King’ and before the luncheon at the end of the ceremony, people raised a toast to the King Charles III.

Veterans and people connected with Legions participating in the March On The Colours.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)