knights of columbus

Remembrance Day Parade

Mike Cluett

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a parade.  Hundreds of Miltonians thought so as well as Pat, Anthony and Miranda joined the crowd around the cenotaph by Milton Town Hall to celebrate and remember our fallen soldiers, the ones still serving and also those who have come back from combat.

It was great to see so many people come out to salute our veterans in this annual event.  Anthony made his way closer to the cenotaph so he could catch everything that was going on.  He’s quite proud of the fact he is taking part in his schools Remembrance Day ceremonies on Thursday and has been working hard getting his lines just right.  I couldn’t miss his face as he watched the parade make its way to the cenotaph when the members of the Royal Canadian Legion Milton Branch, Rotary Club, The Knights of Columbus and other organizations lined up on Charles Street to make their way up Main Street towards Victoria Park.

People lined Main Street and broke out into applause as our veterans lead the parade to the sounds of pipes and drums while kids stopped and saluted them.  The Army and Air Cadets were also in the parade followed by a troop of Beavers, Girl Guides and Scouts.

One of the most moving parts of the ceremony is when they read off the names of Miltonians who have fought and died for our country.  Someone remarked near me that they were blown away by the shear number of people that came from Milton who served our country and didn’t come back.

Martin Capper was there as well and put up some video on YouTube of the event and thanks to Jennifer who took the quick snapshot of yours truly as well.

This coming Thursday you can also join the veterans at Milton Evergreen Cemetery on Ontario Street (near EC Drury School) from 1045AM to about 1130AM for the official ceremonies on Remembrance Day.

Lest we forget.

 

Olympic Pride in Milton

Mike Cluett

Thousands of Miltonians lined Main Street early in the morning today in Milton to catch a glimpse of the Olympic torch as it makes it way through the GTA and beyond.

There was definatley a chill in the air as people huddled closely to the edge of the street waiting for some sign the torch and the runners were on their way.  Miranda was taking in the festivities with a look of wonderment in her eyes, not really sure what was going on.  Anthony on the other hand was bundled up and poked his head out to the street eagerly waiting to see history in the making. 

Christmas carols her heard, as choirsters brought out the holiday spirit of the people along the road.  Mayor Gord Krantz and Halton MP Lisa Raitt were in front of Knox Prespyterian Church to greet CTV weather guy Tom Brown as he cheerfully brought the flame to be handed off.

The cheers got louder as the motorcade made its way down the street, the first car with a flashing sign saying the torch will be here in 5 minutes.  Not to forget the sponsors of the event, a large COKE truck with singers cheering on the crowd and the RBC part of the parade announcing that “its coming”.  Another Milton blogger Jennifer Smith was there recording the event on video, so look to her blog for her updates as well.

A smiling Tom Brown feeling the effects of the cold greeted  the Mayor and MP and lit the next torch.  As the new torch was being lit, the people surrounding the area broke into a warm rendition of “OH CANADA”.

Brenda Wilson (thanks Steve!) finished up and made her way down Main Street to the next stop 300 meters away.  The cheers of the crowd were deafening as the route closed up and as soon as it was here, it was gone.

It definately was history in the making as we dont know when or if the torch will ever make its way back to Milton again.  There were many people openly emotional being a part of this great event.  Kids were laughing and excited chanting GO CANADA GO in the hopes our athletes bring it home this year.

Afterwards we made our way down to the Memorial Arena for a pancake breakfast put on graciously by the Knights of Columbus.  Hundreds packed the Lions Hall upstairs to take part in the meal and be entertained by live music.  It was really well run and many thanks to the Knights for their generosity.

Edit:  Here are some more pictures.  If you were there…let me know how you felt as the countdown to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver made its way through Canada’s fastest growing municipality.  These pictures are courtesy Paul Mitrovich, who apparently lost a finger in the cold (waaaaa, as you head to FLORIDA tomorrow) HA.

Olympic Torch Relay Comes Through Milton

Mike Cluett

 

Get ready to put on your red and white and cheer on the runners for the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay as it heads through downtown Milton tomorrow morning starting at Bronte and Main Street and heading towards James Snow Parkway.

There are a lot of events being held in Milton during tomorrow including a pancake breakfast at the Memorial Arena on Thompson Road from 730 to 10am.  This event is being sponsored by the Holy Rosary Knights of Columbus so head on over for some Christmas cheer and Canadian pride.

I know I’m really looking forward to the event and as weve seen by other places in the GTA, there are a lot of people who show up.  Find a spot early, get warm and cheer the torch on.

GO CANADA GO!