Lest we forget aboriginal vets
****Governor General Jean joins dancers in D-Day town
Nunavut stone caps Inukshuk set in Normandy
Veterans Affairs estimates about 4,000 aboriginals enlisted for World War II. At least 33 of them rest among the 2,048 Canadians buried in the cemetery… During a remembrance service at nearby Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, a Métis fiddle lament, an Inuit throat song and a First Nations honour dance added unique touches to the traditional wreath laying and playing of the Last Post…
“I’m grateful to be recognized,” said Horse, who recently lost a great-grandson who fought as a U.S. Marine in Iraq. “It’s a good feeling to see some of my friends…” Horse, wearing a large feather headdress with his standard issue veteran’s jacket and medals, touched an eagle staff to a grave marker…
Later in the day, lively performances by Métis, Inuit and First Nations entertainers brought most of the cheering veterans to their feet during a ceremony to unveil an Inukshuk. Such stone structures play different roles for Arctic peoples; they can warn of danger, mark a place of respect or direct travellers and hunters…
ceremonies of remembrance, cultural performances and a four-day calling-home ceremony, with elders to return to Canada the spirits of fallen soldiers — have seldom merged. But many say they do appreciate deeply this first chance to honour their fallen comrades in their own way.
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George Horse, left, of the First Nation Veterans Association, is embraced by ceremonial dancer Lorne Duquette yesterday after a moving remembrance ceremony next to the Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer, France.