Submitted by: Dr. Alis Kennedy, O.Ont., C.D., O.M.C, MNO Veterans’ Council Senator

Veterans' Council_Remembrance Day 2016 (2)
Todd Ross, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) veteran and
MNO Toronto and York Region Métis Council Chair
(Interim), lays a wreath on behalf of the MNO, at the base
of the monument at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Click here to
view a larger version of the picture.

For the sixth year in a row, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Veterans’ Council had the honour of being personally invited by the Office of the Premier of Ontario to the Remembrance Day ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Representing the MNO at this ceremony were MNO veterans: Harvey Horlock; Todd Ross, MNO Toronto and York Region Métis Council Chair (Interim); and, Alis Kennedy, MNO Veterans’ Council Senator. Although it was a bit chilly, the sun was shining, which made the ceremony quite enjoyable.

Among the special dignitaries at the ceremony were: the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

The opening prayer was provided by Elder Garry Sault from Mississauga’s New Credit Nation. Elder Sault also provided a song toward the end of the ceremony. The Premier as well as the Honorary Lieutenant-General Richard Rohmer, O.C., C.M.M., O.Ont., D.F.C., C.D., Q.C.―Canada’s most decorated soldier and Brigadier-General S.M. Cadden, Commander 4th Canadian Division. Each spoke at the ceremony.

On behalf of the MNO, Chair Ross placed the Métis wreath at the base of the Veterans Memorial monument. Chair Ross made us very proud! This year, marks the 10th anniversary of monument.

As only a handful of veterans are invited every year to join the VIP section, and so it has always been an honour and privilege for the MNO Veterans’ Council to take part in the Remembrance Day ceremony at Queen’s park.

Published on: December 15, 2016