|
Post by Jules80 on Aug 16, 2005 19:43:52 GMT -5
so frankly there are more than enough pics of me on the net already (between my blog and my friend's blog) so what's one more??? i sent you the pick dustoffmom! Jules
|
|
|
Post by LHR02 on Aug 16, 2005 19:55:10 GMT -5
And check off another face to a name! ;D
Thanks Jules! It's loaded and ready to be seen. What a good pic and a great spot to show off! Thanks indeedy! (And feel free to share any and all pics you'd like!)
ging
|
|
|
Post by Jules80 on Aug 16, 2005 20:07:25 GMT -5
should have loads more in about 6.5 weeks when i return from 5 weeks in europe
|
|
|
Post by LHR02 on Aug 16, 2005 21:36:55 GMT -5
Oh quit bragging gal! ;D
|
|
|
Post by Eagle on Aug 17, 2005 0:07:17 GMT -5
Ging, I guess I fit that category too. I went for breakfast at Denny's yesterday (something I only do about once a year - it was actually quite good!), and came to the horrible realization that I'm about a month and a half away from qualifying for the "Senior's" menu. That's quite upsetting, to say the least! Very strange, I don't feel like a "Senior"?
Brief report on the Military Vehicle Convoy. I believe they left Vancouver several days ago, made the trip to Kamloops and then down through the Okanagan Valley, and will finish up in Penticton or Princeton (for those not familiar with the area, you'll have to check a Map).
It was somewhat of a small convoy, perhaps two dozen vehicles, but contained a lot of vintage WW-II vehicles including a Half-Track and a "6 by 6" Truck (I think that's the correct term?). There was also a Vietnam era U.S. Army Jeep and Dodge Truck. A lot of the vehicles were "Commonwealth" types with some having the steering wheel on the "British" side. All were in fairly immaculate condition (except for the Bren Gun Carrier, which was just put on the road yesterday), and a lot of the participants wore Uniforms which were "correct" for the period.
One of the more interesting displays was one dedicated to Smoky Smith (our last Victoria Cross winner, who just passed away), which consisted of a vintage Truck along wih a bunch of weapons laid out in front, including various versions of the Sten Gun, a Bren Gun (that's a heavy sucker, I had a chance to handle it), a Piat Gun, 2-inch Mortar, Lee-Enfield 303 and Grenades. The person associated with that display had an amazing knowledge of the weapons and kept the crowd spellbound for hours! I'll have to check the news tonight, as the media were well represented.
The audience was quite an interesting mixture of the general public, both reg. force and reserve Canadian Forces personnel of various ranks, who are here every summer because of the Army Cadet training camp (final graduation parade this Friday, including the "Feu de Joie" - hope I spelled that correctly?). I had an interesting chat with the reg. force Photographer, who was equipped with a very large Nikon Digital as well as a Canon 20D -- an awesome and very expensive collection of camera gear!!! Also some Veterans and of course Army Cadets (who had a great time getting free rides in the Half-Track). The most popular spot in the vehicle was the 50-cal. Turret, which had a non-operational fifty in place for realism. Rides were also being offered in the Bren Gun Carrier and the WW-II Motorcycle with side car. Additional sound effects were provided by a small black powder Cannon, which I'm sure "shook up" a few people the first time it was fired!
The convoy was organized in honour of "VJ Day" and there will be ceremonies in most communities this week to commemorate that event. I will probably head down to the Cenotaph here tomorrow night at 19:00 to observe the ceremony. I don't expect there will be a big "turnout" but hopefully there will at least be a few to honour our Veterans!
Anyway, that's the story of my activities this afternoon. It was quite interesting and nice to get away from the renovations for a few hours!!! Back to "the grind" tomorrow.
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Aug 17, 2005 9:43:20 GMT -5
Eagle, Smokey Smith..what a man eh? I've been reading about some of his adventures and he was quite the character. He claims they locked him up before and after the ceremony when he got the VC so he wouldn't get drunk and cause a scene.
Nine times promoted, 9 times demoted. I wish I had known him!
|
|