Remembrance Day 2024

On November 11, Perley Health hosted the annual Remembrance Day ceremony to commemorate Canada's Veterans. This year was a particularly meaningful event, as it was the first time since the pandemic began that Perley Health was able to open its doors and invite additional loved ones, and community partners to join the ceremony in the Perley cafeteria space. Residents, tenants, staff, volunteers, caregivers, friends, and community leaders gathered to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served.

The event was opened with welcoming remarks from Akos Hoffer, CEO, followed by special addresses from both Perley Health Board Chair Lt.-Gen. Lloyd Campbell (ret'd), and Perley Health Foundation Board Chair, Sheila Venman. Other dignitaries, including MPP John Fraser, Councillor Marty Carr, and Assistant Deputy Minister Pierre Tessier of Veterans Affairs Canada, were in attendance and visited with Veterans prior-to and following the ceremony.

“Remembrance Day offers Canadians of all ages and from all backgrounds the chance to pause and reflect on the great sacrifices made by all of those who wear or have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces,” said Campbell. “But it is particularly about those who experienced the terrible conditions and horrendous losses associated with World Wars One and Two and the Korean War.”

Lt.-Gen. Campbell also paid special tribute to the over 100 Veterans residing at Perley Health, noting that they are the pride of the entire community.

“At Perley, we are blessed to have in our midst a quite large cadre of veterans, over 100 at the moment, and of whom 30 are Veterans of World War Two and the Korean War. You are our true heroes! The entire Perley Health community – staff, volunteers, donors, stakeholders and those of us on the Board of Directors- consider it a great privilege to ensure that you, along with all of the 600 Perley Health residents, are cared for, respected, and honoured for your outstanding contributions to our nation.”

Father Paul Tennyson delivered an Affirmation for Peace, while Jessie Stephenson, Spiritual Health Practitioner, offered both a Reflection and the Benediction. The ceremony's music, included the traditional Lament, performed by Donald MacDonald, and Patricia Deek, Perley Health Music Therapist, performing the piano and “O'Canada”. The Last Post and Reveille were performed by Ed Lister, and the Act of Remembrance was led by Robert Leblanc and Antoine Dubois.

Veterans at Perley Health laid wreaths on behalf of their branches of service and associations, with additional wreaths laid by community leaders and guests, symbolizing unity and gratitude.

Akos Hoffer closed the ceremony with a message of thanks, expressing the Perley Health community's deep respect for those who have served and sacrificed. This Remembrance Day served as a powerful reminder of the legacy of Canada's Veterans, inspiring a commitment to peace and respect for generations to come.

Special thank you to the Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts team at Perley Health, Jessie Stephenson, and members of the Senior Leadership Team for planning and facilitating the ceremony.

We thank all who joined us in person and in spirit on this important day.

A special thank you to the many schools and organizations for sharing art and messages for Veterans.

• Beckwith Public School
• Duncan J Schoular Public School
• St. Rita Catholic School
• 4th Orleans Beavers
• Neighbourhood students organized by Natash Liuzzi
• Andre Plante
• Lisgar Collegiate Institute
• Glen Ogilvie School
• 3^rd Ottawa Guides
• and many more!

- Meg O'Connell

Photos by Andréa Fabricius, Instructor, Creative Arts; and Tom Lilly, Senior Branding and Communications Specialist.

“Remembrance Day offers Canadians of all ages and from all backgrounds the chance to pause and reflect on the great sacrifices made by all of those who wear or have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces,” said Perley Health Board Chair Lt.-Gen. Lloyd Campbell (ret'd).