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NEWSLETTER
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Issue No. 9
CPVA Miramichi Chapter marching to the Cenotaph on National
Peacekeepers' Day, 9 August 2011.
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Special Guest
The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant Governor of New
Brunswick, VIP’s Photo City Hall Miramichi, NB.
L-R Maj J Duplessie, Mayor Gerry Cormier, Force Chaplain – Auxiliary Inspector Cecil Symes, Hon.
Robert Trevor’s MLA Miramichi Centre, MP Tilly O’Neill Gordon, MPF Superintendent Randy
Hansen, RCMP Ferris McLean, Lt Gov of NB Graydon Nicholas, Br # 10 Rep Robert Westhaver,
2RNBR L/Col S Bass, CPVA Miramichi Chapter President, Roy Matheson.
Lt Gov Inspects the Peacekeepers
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A highlight of the Day’s activities was a Presentation to the Lt Gov of a Native
Art Painting by a Local Artist; Miss Pauline Young.
Two members of the Miramichi Chapter were awarded plaques.
Reg Savoie received the Peacekeeper of the Year and Mel McGraw was
presented with the Builder Award.
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MC Dean Lawrence
National Peacekeepers' Day is an official remembrance day for Canadian veterans of
military peacekeeping activities. It is officially marked on 9 August of each year and
observed on the closest Sunday. Legislation to make the day an official national day
in Canada was passed in June 2008. On August 9, 1974, Canadian Forces Buffalo
115461 was making a scheduled supply flight from Ismailia, Egypt to Damascus,
Syria, when it was shot down by surface to air missiles. The date was chosen to
commemorate 9 August 1974, when nine Canadian Peacekeepers serving on UNEF II
were killed when their Aircraft was shot down over Syria, the highest number of
Canadian peacekeepers killed in a single incident.
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Head Table Guest
Tilly O'Neill Gordon, MP - Miramichi, His Honor the Lt Gov of NB Greydon Nicholas,
CPVA Miramichi Chapter President, Roy Matheson, 2RNBR L/Col S Bass.
MPF Randy Hanson, RCL #3 George Springer, Jim Muck, Fr Landry, RCMP Ferris McLean,
RCL #10 John Westhaver.
Graydon Nicholas
Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, speaking at the luncheon.
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A Highlight of the Luncheon was the History of the Miramichi Chapter
By Founder Eldon Rogers
HISTORY- In February of 2001, the founding father Eldon Rogers (Capt. Ret.) began setting in
place the foundation for what was to become the CPVA Miramichi Chapter. In 2001 the
Peacekeeping Medal was being presented to peacekeepers throughout Canada. Eldon asked
if it would be possible to arrange for a parade and medal presentation to local Miramichi
Peacekeepers. It was recommended at that time that we establish a local chapter to assist in
setting up the parade. We organized the chapter, held the parade and received our medals.
The Honorable Marilyn Trenholme, Lt. Governor of NB presented 45 medals and Nobel Peace
Prize Diplomas at this ceremony. Several Federal and Provincial dignitaries took part in this
prestigious event. A reception which was hosted by the City of Miramichi followed the
presentations.
Above is the Nobel Scroll & Medals
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CPVA Miramichi Chapter Presidents Message
It is hard to believe that fall is upon us! We have been very busy during the summer of
2011, with different functions. We held a parade in commemoration of National
Peacekeeping on August 9th, and had a great turn-out. The Lieutenant Governor of
New Brunswick, the Honourable Graydon Nicholas, was our guest of honour.
Also attending were Lieutenant Colonel Bass, commanding officer of 2 Battalion, RNBR,
a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #10, Newcastle, as well as a member
of Branch #3, Chatham, our MP, local MLAs, and other dignitaries as well as wives,
friends and neighbors. To say it was a success is putting it mildly.
We culminated the morning's events with a lunch held at the Knights of Columbus Hall
on Campbell Street. As president, I would like to thank the members and their
wives/partners for their support, especially the executive who worked so diligently to
make our Peacekeeping day successful.
I would like to offer special congratulations to Mel McGraw who was chosen Builder of
the Year, and was awarded a plaque by Lt.Gov. G. Nicholas for his dedication and many
hours of work. As well, I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Reg Savoie, who
was chosen Peacekeeper of the year. He also was presented with a plaque by the Lt.Gov.
Of N.B. Thank you on behalf of the Association for jobs well done!
Since this was the year of our tenth anniversary, it seems to be extra special; Eldon
Rogers, our founder, gave a presentation on our Peacekeeping chapter, Miramichi, to
bring us all up-to-date. Thank you, Eldon, for a very informative and enjoyable
presentation.
I hope to see every member at our general meeting on September 29th, as well as at
other functions on the annual calendar for 2011.
Don't forget the parade for the Portraits of Honour in November. More information will
follow.
Roy Matheson
CPVA Miramichi Chapter President
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Message From; Ray Kokkonen, CPVA National President
Photos from the activities in Victoria BC during the National Peacekeepers' Day.
Builder Award
Ray Kokkonen, CPVA National President, presents the CPVA Builder Award to the CPVA Patron,
Brigadier General (Ret'd) Larry Gollner for his many years of outstanding and dedicated work on
behalf of CPVA and all veterans.
CPVA Presentation
Ms. Bridget Preston, Area Manager of the Vancouver Island Veterans Affairs District Office, accepts
the Outstanding Service Award from CPVA National President, Ray Kokkonen, on behalf of her office
and staff. The award is given at a national level for outstanding, dedicated and caring service to
veterans.
CPVA Victoria
His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Steven L. Point OBC, arrives
at the National Peacekeepers' Day parade in Victoria on 9 August 2011. He is escorted to the honour
stand by CPVA National President, Ray Kokkonen, and the CPVA Patron, Brigadier General (Ret’d)
Larry Gollner.
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Announcements
Sick Bay-Reg Savoie will be heading to St John for a med check-up soon.
Nick Haars was back in Hospital & is now at home. Robert Doucette at home. Polly
Jamieson recovering from knee surgery. Shirley Haars recovering from a fall. Mike
Baldwin is in hospital with an infection & is doing well, soon to be released.
Wedding Anniversaries-50TH Bobbie & Paul Cross, Ray & Silvia Savoy, & Al &
Polly Jamieson,
Birthdays- SEPT 7TH Helene Oursien, Sept 17th Alan Jamieson, 2nd Oct Marg
McGraw,
New Printer - HP Office Jet Pro K8600 – Asking $100.00, Prints Posters 18x19
down to 4x6 size prints. (Never used $300.00 Value) – A Digital Camera by Fujifilm. Make me
an offer. Call Mel 506-773-3724
“NOTE”-Poppy Campaign, TBA, School and veterans visits, TBA, Remembrance Day parade.
11 Nov 2011, TBA, Gerry Cormier’s Christmas Concert will be held at a time to be announced.
The Portraits of Honour National Tour is rolling across our
country and will be in Miramichi November 6th. From big cities to the smallest of towns, the
POH tour is making an impact on Canadians. The outpouring of patriotism, emotion and
support for our Canadian Forces is overwhelming. Donations are starting to roll in and that
means the POH Tour will be able to provide financial assistance to the troops and families
who need our help. But we and they need your help. Be sure to come out and see what these
guys are doing, and lend your support to the cause. TBA www.portraitsofhonour.ca
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Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association, Miramichi Chapter
Membership Renewal for 2012
Dear Member
We value your membership. Your support is vital to ensure that CPVA remains a viable
national organization, in recognizing Peacekeeping Veterans.
Please take a few moments now to renew your membership and ensure that you continue to
be kept informed about issues and events that affect CPVA Members
Please renew my membership
Make Cheque or money order payable to, CPVA, MIRAMICHI CHAPTER
Regular Membership
$20.00
Associate Membership
$25.00
Membership Number __________
Name ______________________
Please indicate any changes in Address E-Mail address _______________________
Please send a Cheque or Money Order to (Reginald Savoie)
Membership Chairman, 110 Vancouver Crest, Miramichi, NB E1N 2E5
Should you decide not to renew please inform us.
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CPVA Miramichi Chapter Annual Calendar 2011
DATE
ACTIVITIES
LOCATION
REMARKS
January 2011
20
27
Executive Meeting
AGM 17:00hrs
Court House
Portage Restaurant
Followed by dinner
February 2011
12
March 2011
24
31
Valentine’s Dinner
TBA
Spouses and Guests
Executive Meeting
General Meeting
Court House
Branch #10
April 2011
9
Dinner Evening
TBA
Spouses and Guests
May 2011
19
26
June 2011
11
Executive Meeting
Court House
General Meeting
Dinner Evening
Branch #10
Portage Restaurant
Support your Chapter by
Attending Reg/Meetings,
Activities, Parade’s, etc.
Spouses and Guests
18:30 for 19:00hrs
July 2011
1 Friday
21
28
Canada Day Parade
Executive Meeting
General Meeting
Newcastle
Court House
Branch #10
August 2011
9 Tuesday
National Peacekeepers'
Day Activities
September 2011
22
29
Executive Meeting
General Meeting
Court House
Branch #10
October 2011
15
Dinner Evening
TBA
November 2011
11 Friday
17
24
Remembrance Day
Executive Meeting
General Meeting
Civic Center
Court House
Branch #10
December 2011
17
Christmas Dinner
TBA
Spouses and Guests
January, 2012
19
26
Executive Meeting
AGM
Court House
Portage
Followed by dinner
Town Square Newcastle,
Lunch TBA
Note:
1. All Executive Meetings will be held at 1400 hrs, unless otherwise notified
2. All General Meetings will be held at 1930 hrs, unless otherwise notified.
3. All dinners will be held at 1830 for 1900 hrs, unless otherwise notified.
4. This Calendar is subject to possible changes – events may be added or deleted.
5. The dinner following the AGM will be for (paid up members only)
Spouses and Guests
Spouses and Guests
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Funny Page
What was the problem before?
Taxiing down the tarmac, the jetliner abruptly stopped, turned around and returned to the
gate. After an hour-long wait, it finally took off. A concerned passenger asked the flight
attendant, "What was the problem?" "The pilot was bothered by a noise he heard in the
engine," explained the Flight Attendant, "and it took us a while to find a new pilot."
Misunderstanding terms
One reason the Services have trouble operating jointly is that they don't speak the
same language.
For example, if you told Navy personnel to "secure a building," they would turn off
the lights and lock the doors.
Army personnel would occupy the building so no one could enter.
Marines would assault the building, capture it, and defend it with suppressive fire
and close combat.
The Air Force, on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease with an option to
buy.
At Army base, the annual trip to the rifle range had been canceled for the second year in
a row, but the semi-annual physical fitness test was still on as planned. One soldier
mused, "Does it bother anyone else that the Army doesn't seem to care how well we can
shoot, but they are extremely interested in how fast we can run?"