Just noticed when I started to write this week’s column that its edition date will be Nov. 25 – wow, only one month to Christmas – my personal favourite holiday.
I am away right now and the big holiday here is Thanksgiving, it’s big, some say bigger than Christmas. Who knew?
I am very much enjoying our neighbours to the South but there are some differences and I think I mentioned that I noticed the lack of attention to Remembrance Day.
In fact, the complex that I stay at brought in a box of poppies for sale and some Americans asked what they were. Weird eh?
They sure could use our valuable Legion past president Lil to show them the value of the poppy.
In keeping with that thought, my sister-in-law sent me some wonderful quotes when speaking of our valuable veterans and I think this may be a good time to add this in – these constant reminders of how fortunate we are certainly humbles a person.
In France, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was asked by a French cabinet minister if Canadian involvement in Afghanistan was just an example of “empire building.” Mr. Harper answered by saying, ‘Over the years, Canada has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.’
You could have heard a pin drop.
A Canadian Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the Canadian, U.S., English, Australian and French Navies. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French Admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, North Americans generally learn only English. He then asked, ‘Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?’ Without hesitating, the Canadian Admiral replied ‘Maybe it’s because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.’
You could have heard a pin drop.
When Robert Whiting, an elderly Canadian gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on at French Customs. ‘You have been to France before, monsieur?’ the customs officer asked sarcastically. The Canadian said, ‘The last time I was here, I didn’t have to show it.’ ‘Impossible, Monseur. Canadians always have to show passports on arrival in France !’ The Canadian senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ‘Well, when I came ashore on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn’t find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.’
You could have heard a pin drop.
Canadians are cool.
I hope I have not offended anyone with these quotes, but they not only brought me a gentle reminder of all that we are as Canadians, they certainly reminded me of how proud I am of those who fought so bravely for us.
If you attended the East Indian dinner on Sunday night, you were undoubtedly awed at the incredible sword display and the Bollywood dancers, not to mention the food.
The event was held in the hall to accomodate these two groups of entertainers as they needed all that room to properly perform. We thank them as they were wonderful.
For all you East Indian food lovers, there is a rumour that the Legion may be hosting some East Indian cooking classes. The thought right now is once a week there would be a class that starts with raw products and ends with something yummy to take home – then after a few of these classes, we will be holding an entire day of East Indian culture ending with a fabulous meal including all those dishes that the cooks learned to make over the month – including some entertainment.
Sounds like something I will be attending.
If this is something you might like to do, mention your interest the next time you frequent the branch.
A Christmas Sing-a-long is in the works. Honey is busy trying to combine singing/entertaining groups to the lounge as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army.
The admission for this event would simply be a donation to the Salvation Army.
This would be held in the lounge and more than likely would be held on a Sunday. So you could visit the ladies downstairs in the flea market and pick up all your ‘treasures’, then wander upstairs to enjoy some Christmas cheer and fellowship. Sounds like a good day to me.
I will let you know the details as they come in.
OK, quick recap: Dec. 3 is the Ladies Auxilary Craft and Bake Sale; Dec. 6 is the general meeting and election. You do not want to miss this – I have bored you in other columns about the need to vote, so I will not go over that again, just please show up.
Then we have the Christmas Tins and Tea Party and this may end up having a few select vendors at it for your shopping pleasure – stay tuned.
Then the sing-a-long and then New Year’s Eve – holy smoke the time flies.
See you all soon and until then, play nicely.
Sharon MacDonald is a Legion member.