The City of Côte Saint-Luc marked Remembrance Day on Friday, November 10 in the Council Chamber at City Hall, moving the event indoors rather than brave the chilly temperatures outside at Veteran's Park.
There was a lot of warmth inside as our Director of Public Safety Jordy Reichson oversee an excellent program. The hall was filled to capacity and when explaining why we were holding this a day prior to Remembrance Day, Director Reichson pointed behind him to a large group of students from Merton Elementary School, Jewish People's and Peretz Schools (JPPS) and Hebrew Academy.
Each year there are less veterans who fought for our country in World War II with us, At the ceremony, members of the Royal Canadian Legion Brigadier Frederick Kish Branch #97 were represented. Their president is Allan J. Levine, who served as a city councillor for 32 years up until his defeat in last week's elections. Allan did not fight in any wars, but his late father Sol did. So each year he devotes his time to selling poppies and working closely with the vets.
This marked the first public appearance for new Councillors David Tordjman, Mitch Kujavsky and Oren Sebag. Former Councillor Sam Goldbloom also joined us.
The indoor ceremony was very dignified, with remarks by Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum, Director Reichson served as emcee. Police Station 9 Commander Jean O'Malley, Richard Liebmann of the Montreal Fire Department, Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich from Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Congregation and Father Peter Laviolette from St. Richard's Parish did some readings as did students from the three schools, some of whom became overwhelmed with emotions.
Having the students with us was essential as we provided a lesson in authentic learning. Afterwards some Merton students approached one of the veterans. "Thank you for your service," they said, honoured to make his acquaintance.
