Father’s request leads to Support Troops rally

Mayor Leefe said, “Around January, I had an email from the father of a young Queens County man who is serving in Afghanistan. He noted - fairly forcibly - there hadn’t been any activity in the Region of Queens supporting troops serving in Afghanistan and overseas. I thought, by golly he’s right.

In fact, with the exception of Yarmouth, Mayor Leefe doesn’t believe there has been any large public rallies in this area.

He contacted Royal Canadian Legion officials in Liverpool and Caledonia, who “jumped at the opportunity.” The event formed with subsequent meetings between Region of Queens and legion officials along with some timely help from other Queens County residents.

Mayor Leefe added, “The event will not only celebrate men and women in the armed forces but will also celebrate the roles of RCMP serving overseas.”

He said, for example Const. Charles Reddick of the Queens Detachment is in Afghanistan as part of a 12-month UN mission led by the RCMP.

As a result, Ross Myers, a member of the RCMP Pipe Band helped arrange for the well-known group to join the rally. Mersey Band master, Scott MacDonald also offered that group’s services.

In the meantime, both legion branches worked with schools to raise awareness amongst county youth about the event and “encourage participation.”

At this point, however, he said they were having difficulty finding service personnel who had been overseas to be special guests at the rally, but the problem solved itself.

Mayor Leefe and spouse Nancy Leefe mentioned the problem while visiting Milton residents, Larry Truelove (Lieutenant-Commander (ret.) and legion member) and Cynthia Truelove.

“He said ‘just a minute. I might be able help out.’” Truelove called Captain(N) Bill Truelove, his son, who quickly arranged the two special guests: Lt. Findsay Elford (N) and MWO Ken Priddle.

The Armed Forces Military Family Resource Centre, which acts as a support group for military families, may participate as well.

Mayor Leefe said, “It’s quite an event…there may be an overflow crowd for the indoor part of the event so we’re trying to work that out logistically now.”

Municipal representatives and the area’s MLA and MP will attend and participate as well. The legion branches are also notifying neighbouring legions.

The Rally will end outdoors at the Cenotaph, where wreaths will be laid.

More than 2,600 Canadian soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel are deployed overseas. About 8,000 Canadian Forces members are engaged in action, preparing for deployment or are returning from a mission on any given day.

The RCMP partners with 19 other Canadian Police Forces to contribute personnel to peacekeeping missions around the world.