It was beautiful autumn morning this November 11th, 2009. A perfect day for taking time to remember veterans, Canadian Forces members, friends and family -- everyone who gave their lives in the name of peace for our country and also the rest of the world.
Several Remembrance Day events were scheduled across Calgary. We took part in the ceremony held at the Central Memorial Park Cenotaph (1221 Second St. SW). It was led by the Calgary Highlanders and there was a great turnout. Lots of families with young children could be seen running up Fourth street just before 11 am to make it to the Cenotaph in time. It was a peaceful and respectful ceremony - wonderful to see so many young and old standing quietly, listening intently. It's a comforting thing to see the city coming together to remember.
Visitors to the park also had a chance also to see the great work underway to revamp its layout. Even with much of the blue fencing up to protect areas that aren't finished yet, it seems like the park is much bigger - easier to walk through - more inviting. That's precisely how the project leaders wanted people to feel. If you'd like to read more about the Central Memorial Park revamp, click here. And even better yet, grab a coffee one day at lunch sometime this month and visit it yourself.
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Any war veteran you'll ever meet will ask you to carry on with today's remembrance throughout the year - to think of everyone who has ever contributed in any way to the peace process. One marvelous way to extend this sentiment is to visit Calgary artist Bev Tosh's "War Brides" exhibit at the Glenbow Museum. It's a collection of war bride portrait paintings on wood, along with mutlimedia installations featuring the brides' personal life stories.
(Vera and her Mother, portrait on wood from Bev Tosh's "War Brides" exhibit)
Tosh's "War Brides" exhibit runs now through February 14th, 2010 at the Glenbow Museum. Here's a link to read more about Bev Tosh's work.
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