Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough Police Service Introduce Military Veterans Wellness Program For Increased Veteran Support
/The Peterborough Police Service has introduced the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP) in Peterborough, Lakefield and the Township of Cavan-Monaghan, announced on Thursday morning.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.
The program will help the Service enhance its ability to support and connect with military veterans in our community and within our service according to the Peterborough Police. They continue to say that it equips frontline officers with heightened awareness, training and the tools necessary to recognize and understand military veterans’ unique needs.
The MVWP helps veterans access critical social services offered through organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC), and Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS).
After a police referral, these national agencies will contact the veteran within 72 hours. They may provide a case worker, advocate, or peer support to assist veterans in accessing the benefits and resources available.
A 14-year tenured Peterborough Police officer and member of the Canadian Armed Forces will serve as a program ambassador to our frontline officers. Officers and civilians will also complete online training courses to learn about life in the Canadian Armed Forces, the traits and struggles veterans may face as they transition from a life in the military, and interaction and de-escalation techniques. Peterborough Police anticipate this training will be completed in the coming month.
“As Remembrance Day approaches it is fitting that we take a moment to learn more about the supports available to our veterans and how we can help,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “We know there are approximately 3,000 – 5,000 unhoused veterans across Canada, including some in our city. It is important that we as a service understand the unique circumstances and challenges of veterans who have served and if possible, offer a path to services.”
In addition to launching the program, the Service has created a pin (image below) that will be issued to Peterborough Police Service members who are military veterans, civilian and sworn, serving in the organization. The pin will not only help foster a sense of connection with our community members but also show support to the members of the Service.
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Little Lake Cemetery to Hold Remembrance Day Public Sunrise Service
/A public sunrise Remembrance Day service is taking place at the war memorial in Little Lake Cemetery at 7:30 a.m. this Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Little Lake Cemetery Co.
“This is the second year we are providing this service to the public,” said James Belk, Little Lake Cemetery Co. president and CEO. Approximately 70 people attended the service last year and we hope even more people are able to attend this year. We had many attendees voice their appreciation to us for putting on the service.”
The service is being officiated by Regimental Chaplain Nancy Wilson of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. There is going to be The Last Post followed by two minutes of silence included in the service.
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Remembrance Day Parade Returns to Peterborough
/The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 52 hosted this year’s Remembrance Day parade and ceremony, convening at Confederation Square to honour veterans on Friday morning.
Photo by Felicia Massey.
After a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Remembrance Day parade was brought back to the City of Peterborough. Beginning at PACE PCVS, they made their way to Confederation Square for a service led by the Legion.
Veterans and their loved ones gathered as the local Montessori school sang songs of remembrance and wreaths were laid, honouring the lives of those who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces.
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Fleming College to Host Remembrance Day Ceremony
/The community is invited to join Fleming College’s annual Remembrance Day Ceremony on Nov. 11.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The ceremony begins at 10:50 a.m. outside the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre, and will feature the laying of wreaths and readings from Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president, and other senior members of the administration.
A moment of silence takes place shortly after 11 a.m.
Fleming will be live streaming the ceremony on both there Facebook page and YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend in-person.
Commemorative Animals in War Pins Raise Money for Animal Centres This Remembrance Day
/The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society honour Canada’s veterans and the animals that served alongside them with commemorative Animals in War pins this Remembrance Day.
Photo courtesy of The Ontario SPCA.
Proceeds from the pins sold will help the Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province. One dollar from each pin sold will be donated to Royal Canadian Legion branches in Ontario SPCA animal centre communities.
The pin is intended to be worn alongside the poppy and represents the sacrifice made by animals who have served and continue to serve, alongside Canada’s veterans.
The Animals in War campaign was first launched in 2017. Commemorative pins have included a horse, dog, pigeon, cat and a limited edition pin in honour of the women who have served in Canada’s military.
Mules carried artillery, horses transported troops and hauled field guns, pigeons delivered crucial messages, cats served as companions and kept ships free of vermin and dogs served as messengers, medical assistants, bomb detectors and search and rescue workers.
Pins can be ordered at ontariospca.ca/remember.
UN Peacekeepers Monument Unveiled in Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Downtown Peterborough
/Roughly 250 gathered at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new UN Peacekeepers Monument at Peterborough’s latest park on the corner of Charlotte Street and Aylmer Street on Friday morning.
(From left to right) Retd Maj Lea-Anne Quinn, MGen Lewis W. MacKenzie and Rev. Frank Patrick at the Un Peacekeepign monument at the partially-completed park on Charlotte and Aylmer Street. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peacekeeping veterans shared brief stories during the ceremony and honoured their fallen soldiers. The national anthem and ‘God Save the Queen” was sung by Rhema Christian School students.
Recent Syrian refugees were honoured and welcomed during the event. They sang songs showing their appreciation for Canada.
The monument was created by Studio F Minus’s Brad Hindson, Mitchell Chan and Michael Simon. It was commissioned from the City in 2017 and cost roughly $100,000 to build.
The two pillars have mirrors with a blue square near the top. Hindson says the design was a metaphor and homage to the duty Peacekeepers have.
“Peacekeepers have to cross invisible borders,” he said. “The blue square turns into a dotted line and dotted lines on maps represent borders so you’re actually crossing a border as you come through.”
The monument has been with a quote from Bill Steedman, former case manager of the Peterborough Constituency Office:
“From all across Canada, they came,
From coast to coast to coast.
There was no cry for victory on their lips,
Only a prayer for peace.
They sought not to impose their way,
Only to preserve those most elusive ideals:
Peace and humanity.
Some came home broken,
Some came home not at all.
For all of those who stood their ground,
We stand for them.” - Bill Steedman
