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St. Dominic students thank Bronte veterans for their sacrifices by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 9 | Thursday, November 13, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com St. Dominic Catholic School students gathered Tuesday to pay tribute to Canada's veterans and soldiers who risked or sacrificed their lives for freedom. Guests included Jim Watson, a Second World War veteran and member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Gene Reed, past president of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gen. Chris Vokes, Branch 486 Bronte and MEDIchair Halton co-owner Kristin Courtney, who launched the Oakville Veterans Appreciation Luncheon in 2002. "It is important we continue to remember the sacrifices of so many long after today's ceremony is over. Our country and the Town of Oakville is strong, peaceful and vibrant, thanks to the men and women who gave up so much in the name of freedom," said Grade 7 student and emcee Fianna Smith. A group of Grade 8 students performed a musical and dramatic skit, set to the song If You're Reading This by Tim McGraw. Grade 7 student Evan Kollee, emcee, noted the song's lyrics take the form of a soldier's letter to his family in the event of his death. Watson and Reed were commended for their service and both received a plaque and thankyou card from the students. Reed discussed the Legion and the importance of its work in the community. "We were founded by veterans, for veterans, more than eight decades ago. With almost remembrance and history of the students, past and present, of St. Dominic's." "I hope you all remember the freedom and way of living in this great country of Canada is because of (what) the veterans, past and presently serving, are doing for you. Remember to wear your poppy proudly," said Reed. Though she was unable to attend, the school also recognized Iris Richarz, wife of the late Rick Richarz, Bronte Legion past president and a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Richarz, 76, worked with St. Dominic students to create the memorial garden in Donovan Bailey Park. The school honoured his contributions and memory earlier this year with the placement of a plaque and bench at the Bronte Veterans' Garden. Courtney expressed her gratitude to St. St. Dominic Catholic School student Fianna Smith Dominic for its efforts over the years. "This helps presents a plaque and card to thank Gene Reed, to encourage others to remember and your past-president of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gen. Chris Vokes, Branch 486 Bronte, for his service to the country at the school's Remembrance Day ceremony Tuesday. | photo by Nathan Howes ­ special to the Beaver lovely acts of remembrance are appreciated more than words could ever say. I encourage all of you to continue doing these great things for our veterans and Canadian soldiers," said Courtney, whose father was a Second World War veteran. MEDIchair Halton held the inaugural Veterans Appreciation Luncheon for eight veterans at its Bronte Road store. It hosted its 13th annual event Nov. 3 at the Oakville Conference Centre. Towards the end of the ceremony, a group of students sang Amazing Grace against a backdrop of images of fallen soldiers, while dozens of others held up lit candles bearing the names of deceased troopers. "We owe it to the families of these brave men and women to never forget the sacrifice a family makes when their loved one leaves for war and does not come back. Let it be our goal to ensure we do not forget about them," said Smith. 400,000 members in 1,590 branches, we ensure Canadian veterans of all ages receive everything they so richly deserve," said Reed, noting Oakville's Gen. Chris Vokes was the youngest general in the Second World War. On behalf of the Bronte Legion, Reed thanked the students for their participation in its Remembrance Day parade Sunday and for creating the Bronte Veterans' Garden. He said it is a "testament of the knowledge of Every quote comes with a handshake. Real local people. Real local service. With State Farm® every policy comes with your own personal agent. We pride ourselves on being part of the local community so we can truly understand and best serve the needs of our customers. Get to a better State.® Get State Farm.® CONTACT A STATE FARM AGENT TODAY. The Benefits of an Easy-Flo Built-In Vacuum System LIMITED INCLUDES FOR ONLY FREE $ · Electric Hose · Power Head This price will not last forever, shop · Bare Floor Brush · Compact Size Fits almost anywhere QUANTITIES! 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