Hemmingford’s Royal Canadian Legion Hosts VE DAY and Announces Winners of Provincial Contest
On Wednesday, May 11th 140 students from both Hemmingford Elementary School (Grades 4 to 6) and École Saint-Romain (Grade 1 to 6) gathered at the Cenotaph in Hemmingford to celebrate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
Enjoying a feast of hot dogs and refreshments, it was a lovely day for all as the children huddled together on the lawn under the warm sun. While it might not be a holiday that all Canadians observe, VE Day holds considerable sway with our friends overseas. To honour the tradition that officially falls on May 8th, Hemmingford’s Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 244) has been celebrating the holiday since 1998. The aim is to remind the children of the day that marked the end of WWII, and to remind all of the suffering and casualties that Canadian soldiers endured. Pipers Wanda Goundry and Robert Waller were present to play for visitors. Following the ceremony, Women’s Institute Woman of the Year Florence Ellerton announced the local winners of the Legion’s province-wide poem, essay and poster contest.
Winners received a medal as well as a cash prize (presented by Paul Viau), both of which were sponsored by the Legion. The following students were the contest winners at the provincial level: First place in the Essay category went to Jason Janacek; second place was awarded to Jade Chamberlain. Second place in the Poem category went to Maude Duteau; third place went to Marianne Deschenes. Second place in the Posters-Black and White category was awarded to Stella Jackson. Finally, second place in the Posters-Colour category went to Jason Janacek; third was awarded to Maya Jadah. Considering that the competition was open to all participating students across Quebec, it is considerably impressive that so many victors were local. Janacek will continue on to Dominion Command in Ottawa to join the other first place winners, where a winner will be announced from all of the provincial entries across Canada.