This year, we did something a bit different. We went to the Army Gala in Vancouver, BC. Leon has been to many of these over the years but it was my first time with this group. As with previous balls, there was a theme for the evening. This one centered around the 70th Anniversary of the End of WW2. Of course there were the usual dignitaries, most notably the Consul General (Vancouver) of the The Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Consul General gave a humourous and heartfelt presentation about our liberation of Holland at the end of WW2. I couldn’t help but be reminded of a presentation made one Remembrance Day when my then principal, Mr. Mess, had his father address the students and staff about the liberation of his country by Canadian troops. He said something to the effect that if it hadn’t been for Canadian soldiers, he would not likely be here today with his son and grandson. Very touching.
“Individually and collectively, we are all about readiness.”
Brigadier-General W.D. Eyre, MSC, CD
Other than the speeches, there was the musical entertainment by the Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and some Jitterbug dancers. We had time to chat with some of our friends, old and new (especially to me), enjoy a nice dinner and a few good glasses of wine.
Leon got us a lovely room at the Hyatt Regency, complete with a view from the 24th floor. I wore a gown from a different ball and Leon looked his best in his black tux, James Bond style. If you haven’t heard the news, Leon is hoping to be a candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada in the upcoming election. He certainly looks the part in the meantime. More on that as it develops.
Vancouver after dark
The view from our hotel room
Rob and Karina took time for a photo op
Joyce Murray, Liberal MP for Vancouver Quadra stopped for a chat.
Leon as James Bond
Turning my world upside down! 