On November 11^th of each year we gather to remember, thank and honour those who fought for peace and freedom on land, in the air and at sea.  In remembering those who gave their lives for our country, we commit ourselves to lasting peace at home and around the world, and resolve that we learn from the lessons of the past.  I was pleased to join our Veterans and residents at the Pickering Civic Complex Cenotaph with the Royal Canadian Legion Bay Ridges Branch #606 and at Royal Canadian Legion Claremont Branch #483 as I do every year.  It was particularly special in this the 'Year of the Veteran' to honour and remember all those from Pickering who served.  I reflect upon my grandfather, Chief Petty Officer James Pickles, and his brothers, who served in the Canadian Navy and Army, during the Battle of the Atlantic on Tribal Class destroyers including HMSC Huron, and on D-Day.

In addition to Remembrance Day Services the City celebrated the 'Year of the Veteran' in many ways including: a Branch #606 Awards Dinner, a 60^th Anniversary D-Day Tribute in Council Chambers, a partnering with the South Pickering Seniors Club and the Veterans, remembrance services with local schools (see back cover), and the Inaugural Mayor's Gala on November 19^th with the theme of 'The Year of the Veteran'.  Many Veterans and their families were special Gala guests of Mayor Dave Ryan.  All of the proceeds of the event will go towards charity, including a special rehabilitation room at the Rouge Valley Ajax-Pickering hospital which will be dedicated in the honour of Veterans.

A special thanks to all Veterans and members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branches Bay Ridges #606 and Claremont #483.

I was pleased and honoured to assist the Women's Auxillary and other volunteers in hosting the Year of the Veteran Honours and Awards on April 9^th 2005 to once again recognize the efforts and sacrifices of our veterans.

Thanks to our Legions and residents for the work they do for veterans, veteran's families and our community.  I also thank our Legions for the excellent and well attended Rememberance Day services they organize in Claremont and City Hall every year, both of which I always make a point of attending.

The Annual Poppy Campaign is an important means for the community to remember and support our veterans and their families.  I am proud to have been steadfast and unwavering in my support of continuing the Poppy Campaign in our public facilities including our libraries.

Please contact the Royal Canadian Legion Bay Ridges Branch #606 (905-839-2990) or Claremont Branch #483 (905-649-3166) directly for further information on joining and upcoming events.