Veterans honoured at Alderville First Nation Remembrance Service Sunday
World War II veteran Donald Smoke. Photo by: Dan Jones
By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.
A cold, windy and snowy day did not deter the Alderville First Nation from honouring the contributions and sacrifices of their military veterans.
The ceremony on Alderville Sunday, marked Canada-wide observations of National Indigenous Veterans Day, usually commemorated on November 8.
Approximately 80 members of Alderville enlisted in the Armed Forces for World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War.
Two living veterans participated in the ceremony. 99-year-old Donald Smoke, a Gunner joined the Army’s 15th Regiment for World War II at the age of 17. He was known for his exceptional skills and accuracy as a nine-mile sniper, serving in Belgium and the Netherlands. He later volunteered for active duty in the Pacific, however was not sent due to the war ending.
Donald’s daughter Marsha Smoke said it was an honour to have her father at the ceremony.
“When it comes to veterans or individuals that enlisted in the war it was a sense of duty, fighting for freedom and their liberties. The whole community was empty of our men. The women and children were left behind. It was the honourable thing to do,” said Smoke.
Military veteran Morris McKenizie. Photo by: Dan Jones
91-year-old Morris McKenzie began his 26-year military career in the Army, but found his home in the Air Force in the Crash and Rescue Unit, where he served as a specialist in pinning bombs to the underside of fighter jets and planes.
This made him an indispensable asset to the Air Force. He also ensured that his colleagues aircrafts were ready for deployment. While he did serve overseas, including seven-years in Germany. He was also posted to Canadian missions.
Despite the blistering cold, wreaths were laid in honour of the Alderville veterans who died in action. Councillor Jason Marsden read off the names of 11 people who made the ultimate sacrifice.
More than 12,000 Indigenous people served in World War 1, World War 2 and in the Korean War.
