2006, Sept 4, Private Mark Anthony Graham, 1RCR, Op Medusa

[Mike Blais]

To all Royal Canadians.

I have been in contact with the  city of Hamilton and the dates for the renaming/dedication ceremony are tentatively set to coincide with Mark's birthday. It will either be Saturday, the 15th of May or on the 17th, the actual date of birthday. The Niagara Branch will be attending the dedication service and I hope that the branches in Southern Ontario will also join us in order to demonstrate our support, through ACTION, for the Graham family.

Together, we can make a difference!!!!

[Mike Blais]

Sit Rep.

I spent the morning in Hamilton with city staff discussing the re dedication of Olympic Park to reflect our regimental brother's service and sacrifice in Afghanistan.

The service announcing the change to the Private Mark Graham Park will be held on Friday at 630 pm at the park, which is located on Horning street in Hamilton.

All Royal Canadians in Southern Ontario are encouraged to attend this very important ceremony. The Niagara Branch will be in attendance.

[Mike Blais]

Sit rep.

Fellow Royal Canadians and branch presidents!

I am hoping that you can motivate some of your branch/friends to join us in Hamilton to support Mark's parents during this event. The ceremony will start at 630 pm, Friday evening (3rd) and will be held at Olympic Park. See map link below. A platoon of Mark's buddy's from 1 RCR are also coming from Petawawa in support. We shall retire to RCL Branch 163 on Upper Wentworth for a reception at the conclusion of the service. I am hoping that we can get some banners out and a contingent from each branch in SW Ontario in order that we may walk the walk and fulfill our duty to the fallen.

The park is easy to get to, just take the 403 to the Lincoln Alexander then get off on Mohawk, go to Upper Horning and turn left. Park in the parking lot, the ceremony is right there beside the plaque and tree they have already dedicated to Mark's sacrifice. I met Mark's parent last week at the CAVUNP parade, nice people, I really hope that you can join us as I KNOW they will appreciate it and our collective commitment will reflect positively on the Regiment and our association.

Mrs Graham has expressed an interest in a park bench to be placed near the plaque/tree and to that end, the Niagara Branch is contributing two hundred dollars to this project . Any branch/individual donations on your behalf would be greatly appreciated.   

Looking forward to seeing your banners on parade with ours and meeting up with Royal Canadians I haven't seen in a while.

Pro Patria
Mike Blais, The RCR Assoc.-Niagara

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=x0C&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Olympic+park+Hamilton&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=Olympic+park&hnear=Hamilton,+ON&cid=0,0,415719726098968431&ei=Z-pjTOq4EI6HnQfFoMyYDQ&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQnwIwAA

[Mike Blais]

Just a reminder, lads, as Friday is approaching. I know that it is on a Long weekend Friday and you might think it would be more fun to go the mess for happy hour. This is a matter of duty, however and the more Royal Canadians we have on parade to share in this celebration of Mark's life, the better our regiment will be represented.

Ceremony starts at 1800 hrs, the RCR contingent marches on five minutes prior too.

I hope to see you there. 

Mike in Niagara