36 FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2016 36 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2018 3580 Byer’s Road, Blackstock 905-986-4437 NOVEMBER 11 ARMISTICE 100 Lest we forget. Each year on this date across the country, Canada honours the First Nations, Inuit and Métis men and women who have served with pride and distinction and express our thanks to those whose dedication continues in military and peace operations at home and abroad. Aboriginal Veterans Day began in 1994 in Manitoba to honour the contributions of First Nations and Métis people who served in the Canadian Military. In 2001 the National Aboriginal Veterans War Memorial was unveiled and dedicated in Ottawa, and commemora- tive ceremonies are now held in many communities in Canada on November 8. This day is observed to honour the contributions and sacrifices that Canada’s Indigenous peoples have made while serving in uniform. People such as Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow, the deadliest sniper and scout of the First World War, credited with 378 kills and 300 captures. For all his skill as a sharpshooter, however, he was perhaps even more effective as a scout and messenger, saving countless allied lives by shuttling critical orders between trenches and units all along the front. By war’s end, Pegahmagabow had earned three Military Medals for his breathtaking courage. He’s one of only 37 soldiers in the Canadian Expeditionary Force to hold that distinction In Scugog Township, we remember five men from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Chris Ashkewee, John Henry Marsden, John McCue, Isaac Taylor, Isaac Almer York, who enlisted to fight in the ‘War to end all Wars’ with the 114th Battalion, the Brocks Rangers. The 114th recruited in Haldimand County and the Six Nations re- serve and was mobilized at Cayuga. And we remember Steven Ashquabe, Ernie Edgar, Arthur Arnold Goose, Burton Elwood Johnson, Lambert Marsden, Albert Stewart McCue, Thomas Porte, Henry Arthur Sullaby and Henry Louis Sullaby who fought and served their nation so valiantly in WWII. Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit continue to contribute in today’s Canadian Armed Forces. The 5,000 Canadian Rangers, a part of the CAF Reserves working in remote regions, speak 26 different languages and dia- lects, many First Nations. When called to serve, our Indigenous peoples re- sponded. First Nations, Inuit and Métis continue to risk their lives in service, defending values of peace, freedom, and democracy. As we move forward in our journey of reconciliation based on recognition of rights, respect, partnership and cooperation, their sacrifices and accomplishments will continue to be remembered. We encourage all residents of Scugog Township to join us in honouring Aboriginal Veterans each year on November 8. Everyone is welcome and for the time and location of our local ceremony, visit www.scugogremembers.ca. National Aboriginal Veterans Day Ceremony Thursday November 8 ARMISTICE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS