COLUMN: Carillon Flashback November 5, 2016 – St Norbert remembers First World War Metis veterans

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/11/2023 (588 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Restoration of a long-forgotten war memorial by the St Norbert Veterans Memorial Association has resulted in an ever-growing attendance at annual Remembrance Day services. 2016 marks the seventh year that the community of St Norbert has gathered to honour these fallen soldiers and to pay tribute to all men and women who have served, and are currently serving, in the Canadian Military, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Winnipeg Police Service.

This independent, community inspired event is a 45-minute outdoor service that will be held in St Norbert on Nov. 11, beginning at 10:45 a.m. It takes place at the Ste Therese Avenue cemetery, in front of the cenotaph engraved with the names of 13 soldiers who died in the First World War.

The first ceremony, organized by area resident Art Bloomfield, drew a modest crowd of 50 participants, but more than 500 attended the 2015 Remembrance Day services and even more are expected this year.

As a result of the 2010 ceremony, the St Norbert Veterans Memorial Association was formed to further the research by the Fort Garry Horse Regiment regarding the soldiers named on the cenotaph. The 13 soldiers were Francois Cardinal, Arthur Carriere, Roger Chartrand, Richard Fenton, Joseph Frobisher, Alfred La Liberte, Charles Le Aumorte, Alfred Lord, James Normand, Alfred Ryan, Ernest Ryan, Alfred Taylor and Jules Seewald. To date, family members of Jules Seewald and Richard Fenton have been located and have participated in the Remembrance Day ceremony at St Norbert.

The cenotaph with the 13 names was initially noticed by area resident Art Bloomfield, while walking his grandson to school in 2008. He saw the overgrown cenotaph at the front edge of the St Norbert Cemetery and realized it was a memorial to First World War veterans. He then spearheaded efforts to ensure the men recognized on this memorial were not forgotten.

There has been a considerable amount of involvement from the community from the beginning, including efforts to restore the once abandoned and forgotten war memorial. Numerous corporate sponsors have assisted with the purchase of wreaths and the refreshments for the community reception at the St Norbert Eagles Club at 2459 Pembina Highway, which follows the Remembrance Day service every year.

Student participation from College St Norbert Collegiate, under the direction of Music Teacher Beverly Betz, has been growing each year and their contribution to the event is significant.

This year, the Collegiate Concert Choir, Brass Ensemble and individual trumpeters will contribute through music and song. The highlight of the ceremony will be students reading out the names and service records of the 13 fallen soldiers and placing a poppy on the cenotaph in their memory.

This year, wreaths will be laid by MP Terry Duguid; MLA Janice Morley-Lecomte, and Winnipeg City Councillor Janice Lukes. As well, representatives of Fort Garry Horse (Army), HMCS Chippewa (Navy) and 402 Squadron 17 Wing Winnipeg (Air Force) will lay wreaths and assist in escorting those laying wreaths.

Local service clubs such as the National Metis Veterans, Knights of Columbus, St Norbert Eagles Club Aerie 3870, Girl Guides of Canada, St Norbert Veterans Association, St Norbert Parish LaBarriere Metis Council and Pembina Active Living will participate again this year.

The Superintendent of Seine River School Division and the Secretary-Treasurer of the Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine, along with the Principal and Vice-Principal of College St Norbert Collegiate will lay wreaths representing the education community.

Harolyn Capstick, a family member of Richard Fenton, one of the 13 soldiers named, will lay a wreath representing the families of the fallen soldiers.