After the official unveiling of the Soldiers’ Tree monument, on Sep. 10, a number of dignitaries participating in the ceremony celebrated the hard work of those involved, in making the monument a reality, over dinner.
Brigadier-General Ray Romses OMM, CD, was among those in attendance and acknowledged everyone involved in the crafting and installation of the Soldiers’ Tree, at the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. He gave an optimistic, congratulatory speech, and had high praises for the Soldiers’ Tree committee, Legion members, the local cadet corps, the members of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Edmonton Garrison, and all veterans present.
Throughout his speech he stopped and asked many people stand to receive applause, respectfully acknowledging everyone involved.
“I can tell you, a project of this nature absolutely takes hours, and hours of work. It takes that committee putting their arm around many other people in the community to assist them to raise funds,” said Romses. “You look at today’s activity, alone, let alone the project of getting the tree ready, and it was exceptional.”
Romses described the pride he felt at hearing about the commitment of the local Legion members, in their support so far, and in their undertaking to continue that support, looking after the monument in the years to come.
“Hopefully that will be for many decades. That’s a big obligation,” he said. “I can’t think of a better organization to take on that responsibility.”
Romses gave accolades to the PPCLI Edmonton Garrison for traveling all the way to Estevan for the event, and providing the honour guard, noting that they’d spent most of the prior day on the road just to participate in the ceremony.
“It’s great that you are here to provide representation for the armed forces. It’s really important that our citizens across this country understand you are their army, from you being out there in the community. You’ve done that by coming here,” said Romses. “There re a lot of army cadets and air cadets that were part of this, and you folks did a wonderful job, too.”
Romses acknowledged how beneficial a youth program like the cadets is, and how their participation in the day’s ceremony was proof of how beneficial it is for young, developing citizens. He also called for accolades for the the civilian instructors who run the program.
“You will develop so many attributes that help you with the future you choose. Stick with the program,” Romses said. “I heard a couple of air cadets in here earned their glider licence over the past summer. There are so many experiences to do, to live, when you join a cadet corps or squadron.”
Romses also spoke to the veterans from past global conflicts present at the dinner. He applauded and thank them for their service, adding that such monuments and events were specifically dedicated to them.
“Estevan has a very proud military history. There’s the South Sask. Regiment, and more recently, the army cadets and air cadets, with their extensive history here. You just added a new legacy to it, with the tree,” said Romses in a concluding statement. “It’s a marvellous addition, and I hope it serves you many years.”
