Métis veteran Richard Lefebvre places a poppy on the MNO
wreath, he had previosly placed on the National War
Memorial in Ottawa, during National Remembrance Day
ceremonies on Friday, November 11.
With excerpts from: http://www.legion.ca/honour-remember/national-memorial-ride/
Every year on November 11, Métis from across the homeland participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies. It is very important for Métis to be a part of these ceremonies because we have contributed to the defence of Canada as far back as the War of 1812 as well as both World Wars, the Korean Conflict, peacekeeping missions and most recently, Afghanistan.
Over the years, many Métis have served and many have made the ultimate sacrifice. By making the Métis presence felt at Remembrance Day services, we show our respect for all Veterans and we remind all Canadians of Métis service and sacrifices.
Since 2004, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) has laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa during National Remembrance Day ceremonies. This year, MNO citizen Richard Lefebvre, C.D., who served in the military for close to 33 years and retired as a Master Warrant Officer, was asked to lay the wreath, with the assistance of his grandson Ethan.
“It is an extreme honour to represent my fellow Métis Veterans,” said Lefebvre. “I think it is important to let the public know that there are Métis Veterans who have proudly served in the past and are still serving.”
Lefebvre assisted his daughter, Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Jaime Lefebvre, C.D., L.L.B. and his grandson Ethan with the laying of the wreath last year. Ethan is in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and plans to follow in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather, both of whom are MNO citizens, and join the army.
Lefebvre says that he is proud to wear his sash on November 11th every year and is happy that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has had regulations in place since 2011 to ensure that Aboriginal members are able to practise their specific Aboriginal customs and traditions, such as the wearing of the Métis sash, with their uniforms.
Lefebvre has been an important advocate for Métis Veterans as he has been laying a wreath on behalf of the MNO for the past eight years at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood in Ottawa during the National Memorial Ride (NMR). The NMR is an annual commemorative event that brings together motorcycle enthusiasts and supporters on the first Sunday of June to remember and commemorate Canada’s Fallen Veterans. This event was started by the National Memorial Riders and was taken over by the Royal Canadian Legion. Lefebvre’s group is the only motorcycle group allowed in Beechwood cemetery.
Published on: November 11, 2016