Just in time for Remembrance Day, the Lodge at Broadmead has recognized Canada’s veterans with a monument in honour of their service to the country.
On Tuesday, residents gathered to see a new marble monument at the entrance to the lodge, with a plaque reading, “Dedicated to Canada’s Veterans. Especially to those cared for at the lodge.”
“This is surely a most appropriate way to say ‘Thank you’ to our wonderful men and women who have in the past and continue today to serve this country in uniform,” said B.C. Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon.
“We are indeed commemorating numerous special anniversaries and some very exceptional people – 2015 marks many 70th anniversaries, including the liberation of the Netherlands [and] V-E Day.
“In addition, 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of this wonderful facility, this caring home, Broadmead Lodge, where thousands of World War II and Korean War veterans, along with many fellow seniors, have spent their final years.”
Paul Morgan, chair of the board of directors at Broadmead Care, also announced the renaming of the lodge to the Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead.
Many veterans were also in attendance, including former prisoner of war Rudi Hoenson and Maj. Murray Edwards, a Second World War and Korean War veteran who lives at the lodge.
Rear-Admiral Giles Couturier, Commander of the Maritime Forces Pacific, stressed the importance of recognizing the sacrifice that veterans have made for Canada.
“I’ve had the opportunity to talk to schools over my career and I did it again yesterday, and I keep telling them that we have a debt to our veterans,” he said. “The debt is a small way for us to remember what you have given to us.”
Edwards closed the speeches, summing up the timely unveiling of the monument the day before Nov. 11.
“Remembrance Day, for many of us, is a time of rather sober reflection, and we, our families and friends, as we view this monument, we will never forget,” he said.