The rich, long-standing tradition of commemoration, paying tribute to veterans of all generations, continued at Ste. Anne’s Hospital (SAH) from November 3 to 11 this year. This year’s activities were once again very diverse, with sombre ceremonies, opportunities to share, entertaining musical shows, and more.
Here are some photos of this special week paying tribute to our veterans from the Second World War and the Korean War, as well as missions around the globe.
Photo 1: As the veterans approached the auditorium to take part in the Opening Ceremony for Veterans’ Week, they were greeted by a receiving line.
Photo 2: During his speech at the Opening Ceremony, Dan Gabay, President and CEO of our CIUSSS, reiterated our organization’s firm commitment to maintaining the unique SAH tradition of commemoration.
Photo 3: As guests look on, Second World War veteran Roger Blais, on the right, did the traditional cake cutting to officially launch Veterans’ Week. In the photo (left to right): Josie Pierre, Manager—Operational Stress Injury Clinic and Pain Management Clinic at SAH, and the service location in Longueuil; Christine Gagné-Rodger Associate Director—Support for Elderly Autonomy Program Directorate—Long-term Care; Dan Gabay, President & CEO; Richard Legault, President—Board of Directors; and, Dr. Geneviève Richer, chief medical officer at Ste. Anne’s Hospital and honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2nd Field Regiment. At the lectern is Isabelle Labrie, SAH site manager and master of ceremonies.
Photo 4: Happy participants at the Opening Ceremony for Veterans’ Week. From left to right: André Boudreau, Communications Advisor and SAH commemoration co-organizer; Isabelle Labrie; Christine Gagné-Rodger; Dr. Geneviève Richer; Dan Gabay, Richard Legault; Bonnie Helwer, Associate Service Quality and Complaints Commissioner; Josie Pierre; and Sophie Roussin, Area Director—Québec, Veterans Affairs Canada.
Photo 5: There were numerous wreaths laid in memory of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Photo 6: “Sometimes I wonder if all the tears I cry today, without knowing why, are tears I had to hold back in order to better serve others during my life as a soldier, where I could not fail.” A quote from a very touching text written and read by Denis Roy, a client at the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, at a lunchtime conference organized for veterans of the modern era.
Photo 7: Brian Davidson, Secretary-Treasurer of the SAH Veterans Committee and a dedicated volunteer, was on hand to help run a special bingo event organized for veteran residents.
Photo 8: Dr. Geneviève Richer fulfilled her role as master of ceremony at the Wreath-Laying Ceremony with empathy and respect.
Photo 9: Throughout Veterans’ Week, the Recreation Department at SAH spared no effort to ensure each activity was a success. In the photo (left to right): Manon Cassandra Hope Dubois, administrative agent; Anna Teresa Audi, recreation technician, team coordinator, and SAH commemoration co-organizer; Angeljoyce Naces, service aide; Eileen McDonagh, Megan Woodworth, and, DiegoValente, recreation technicians.
Photo 10: The tunes performed on the bagpipes by Sylvain Jetté, a peer helper at the SAH Operational Stress Injury Clinic, always stir up emotions.
Photo 11: Laying a wreath in tribute to brothers and sisters in arms who died on the field of battle is always a very solemn moment.
Photo 12: Three clients from the Operational Stress Injury Clinic and the PMC at SAH shared inspiring testimony at a lunchtime conference for modern-day veterans. In the photo (left to right): Amine Saadi, Director, Mental Health and Addiction Programs Directorate; Frantz Mark, Danie Dubé, and Frédéric Parent, conference speakers; Josie Pierre; and Richard Legault.
Photo 13: On Remembrance Day, the dynamic duo Salty Dog put on some lovely shows for each of the three residential units housing veterans.
Photo 14: It was the 22nd edition of the very popular Faces of Honour photo exhibition. Thank you to the Québec Veterans’ Foundation and the Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation for once again financing this exhibition. Thank you also to Romualdo “Ray” Barillaro, the portrait photographer.
Photo 15: During the ecumenical service for civilian and veteran residents at SAH who have passed away in the last 12 months, family members were invited to light a candle in memory of their loved ones.
Photo 16: Beautiful crafts with Remembrance Day themes were made for the veterans.
Photo 17: The students from several schools sent messages and artworks to the SAH veterans in recognition of their sacrifices.
Photo 18: A special lunch honouring veterans, featuring an appearance by talented singer Carroll Caza, was a huge success. This event was generously sponsored by the Québec Veterans Foundation.
Photo 19: Residents, family members, friends, and employees gathered to watch the official Remembrance Day ceremonies taking place in Ottawa.
Photo 20: Residents and their family members made sure not to miss the show put on by the Blok Note Big Band!