The atmosphere during this year’s Veterans’ Week activities at the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, was one of contemplation, celebration and sharing. This long-standing tradition of commemoration, which is unique to Ste. Anne’s Hospital (SAH), has resulted in a wide range of activities for veterans of all generations, including those who frequent our operational stress injury clinics.
These events were an opportunity to pay tribute to our Canadian heroes, to whom we owe an undeniable debt of gratitude.
Below is a photo recap of this very special week.
1- Funding for the 23rd edition of the “Faces of Honour” photo exhibit was provided by the Quebec Veterans Foundation.
2- One of the highlights of Veterans’ Week: The Remembrance and Wreath-Laying Ceremony.
3- During the ceremony to kick off Veterans’ Week, Dr. Geneviève Richer, Medical Director at Ste. Anne’s Hospital and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel with the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Jonathan Audet, Lieutenant-Colonel with the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, and Occupational Therapist Tara Whelton (missing from photo), reflect on their pilgrimage to France in June, to take part in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings.
4- Second World War veteran Annie-Harriet Good (McNamara) lays a wreath in memory of her fallen sisters- and brothers-in-arms, alongside Recreologist Anna Teresa Audi, Coordinator of the SAH Recreation Department.
5- Korean War veteran Donald Clare of the Royal 22nd Regiment, proudly spots his portrait in the latest edition of the “Faces of Honour” photo exhibit.
6- Joseph Maxwell, a veteran of the Second World War, enjoys the musical stylings of accordionist Richard Beauvais.
7- Adriana Balaban gifts a beautiful painting by her late husband, Dr. Mihai Balaban, a long-time anesthesiologist at the Lakeshore General Hospital, to the SAH community. Pictured from left to right are: Najia Hachimi-Idrissi, Associate President and CEO of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS ODIM); Christine Gagné Rodger, Associate Director, Support for Elderly Autonomy Programs, Western Sector—Long-Term Care; Mrs. Balaban; Richard Legault, Chairman of the Board of Directors (CIUSSS ODIM);and Isabelle Labrie, SAH Site Manager.
8- Najia Hachimi-Idrissi,filled with respect as she greets Second World War veteran Joseph Maxwell at the end of the Remembrance Ceremony, with bagpiper Graham Batty looking on.
9- Marie-France Brizard, Associate Executive Director, Service Integration, Care Trajectories Management, and Academic Affairs (CIUSSS ODIM), was honoured to be part of the commemorative “See the Light” event organized for clients of the occupational stress injury clinics.
10- Second World War veteran Roger Blais cuts the cake, marking the official launch of Veterans’ Week, together with Najia Hachimi-Idrissi, as Richard Legault and Isabelle Labrie look on.
11- Members of the SAH Recreation Department and the Quebec Veterans Foundation (QVF) played a key role in presenting the Veterans’ Week activities. From left to right: Rosa Sarchese, Coordinator (QVF); Manon Cassandra Hope Dubois, Administrative Officer; Anna Teresa Audi, Recreologist and Coordinator of the Recreation team; Eileen Mc Donagh and Sandra Sylvestre, Recreation Technicians.
12- Joined by loved ones, the veterans enjoyed a special lunch that also included a performance by the Early Jazz Band trio.
13- Many members of the SAH community lined the hallway for an impressive guard of honour to pay tribute to the veterans as they made their way to the ceremony marking the launch of Veterans’ Week.
14- A presentation on the Missing Man Table and the symbolism behind each item was held during the commemorative “See the Light” event.