40th Seamen’s Memorial Service
The rain did not dampen the attendance and community participation in the Annual Provincial Seamen’s Memorial Service in Canso on Sunday August 14,2016.
The Star of the Sea Church was filled to capacity with a record number of wreaths lining the center isle of the church. The Stadacona Band provided a concert which was appreciated by those in attendance and was one of the highlights of the annual Seamen’s Memorial Service. MC Lion Ray White welcomed everyone to the Memorial Service and traced the history of the Seamen’s Memorial, a project of the Canso Lions Club and the origin of Seamen’s Memorial Day in Nova Scotia. Lion Ray White thanked the community, area business and government for their support and the pride and workmanship in the upgrading of the Memorial from local contractors.MC Ray White thanked club secretary Lion Catherine DeRabbie for her assistance with the Memorial ceremony.
Area churches provided scripture reading along with music and songs during the interfaith service. The Stadacona Band preformed during the Service and provided the closing music.
Hon. Lloyd Hines Minister of Natural Resources brought greetings from the Province of Nova Scotia he congratulated the Canso Lions Club and MC Lion Ray White for the work in hosting the annual service. Warden Vernon Pitts from the Municipality of the District of Guysborough congratulated the community for working together to host the Annual Provincial Service and the sacrifices many individuals have made while engaged in the fishery. Warden Michael Mosher from the District of Saint Mary’s congratulated the community for hoisting the Seamen’s Memorial Service and how is was important of his county and those involved in the fishery.
Lions District Governor Claire Brunelle congratulated the Canso Lions Club and MC Lion Ray White for his 40-year involvement with the Seamen’s Memorial project. District Governor was proud of the Canso Lions who reflected the Lions motto of “We Serve”
The Honour Guard included the RCMP, Canso/Hazel Hill Fire Department, 5th Canso Scouts, Sea Cadets. Following the flag lowering and silence then music from local piper Sandra MacIssac and the Stadacona band the invited guest laid wreaths from MP Roger Cuzner, the Province of Nova Scotia, The Municipalities and Districts for Guysborough and Saint Mary’s The Town of Mulgrave plus Nova Scotia Lions Clubs. Juanita Dort representing the Guysborough County Inshore Association and King Lion Janet Delorey from the Canso Lions Club
read the names from the Seamen’s Memorial and from the in Memory list. Wreaths and plaques from business local groups and individuals were placed at the front of the church. Lion Ray White spoke of the long term support for the community and area business. A plaque of appreciation was presented to East Coast Hydraulics and Machinery for 40 yeas of assistance with construction and upgrades to the Seamen’s Memorial.
King Lion Janet Delorey presented MC Ray with a plaque thanking him for 40 years of involvement with the Seamen’s Memorial Project and the Annual Seamen’s Memorial Service.
Music for the closing was provided by local churches and the Stadacona Band. The wreaths were taken to the Seamen’s Memorial where they will be on display until Sunday August 21st. On Sunday August 21st area boats will pick up wreaths at Whitman’s Wharf at 1 PM and take then to Chedabucto Bay for a blessing and place on the sea as a final tribute. Captain Bill Bond’s boat Melissa and Papa III will lead the boat parade around Canso harbour.
The public were invited to a lunch at the Canso Lions Club after the Seamen’s Memorial Service. The Canso Lions Club would like to thank everyone who helped make the 2016 Provincial Seamen’s Memorial Service possible.
