December 2000 - Nr. 12
Fairs and Affairs
Remembrance
Usually one week after the Canadian Remembrance Day, and
also this year, the German Canadian community congregates at the Woodland
Cemetery in Kitchener to commemorate the loss of 187 war dead who lost their
lives during the 2 big WW. They were brought here in 1970 from 36 different
locations in Canada.
A great many German Canadian organisations send
representatives to lay a wreath in their memory, as well as representatives
of various branches of the Canadian Forces. Thus those who once thought of
each other as enemies, their friends and families, stand side by side
remembering the horrors and victims of war, honouring those who lost their
lives in these conflicts.
The Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mrs.
Christiane Geissler-Kuss, addressed the several hundred people strong crowd
with the appropriate words before she laid the first wreath. One by one the
names of clubs and associations and schools were called, a representative or
two stepped forward, placed their organisations wreath, stood in respect for
a few seconds before the next one was called.
Fervent religious prayer and the haunting voices of the Concordia Choirs framed the proceedings, which was even attended by the towns Mayor.
Afterwards everyone was invited and repaired to the local Danube Swabian Club for coffee and cake. And even though it was not so terribly cold this year as it has sometimes been in the past, all welcomed the thawing out.
The club was proud of its newly decorated and refurbished great hall. Coffee and cakes of all kinds were complimented by some with cognac, which had become tradition in the past. Usually donated by the consulate, it was up to individuals this year to supply themselves. This was the first year where the community had to carry the cost in its entirety. The several hundred people that came to enjoy the company and offerings certainly appreciated being able to refresh themselves before driving home. Some had a very long way to go. We even saw a contingent from as far away as Timmins.
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Urban Renewal
Royal Winter Fair
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Sybille reports:
- Christmas Fair
- Queen's Park Visit
- Remembrance
- Urban Renewal
- Royal Winter Fair
- Concert Season
- Book Find
