FORT FRANCES—A former Fort Frances resident will experience the ceremonies in France to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Vimy Ridge first-hand—as the corps commander for the honour guard.
Maj. Eric Gilson, son of Pat and the late Struchan Gilson, was selected for the position, which will see him heading the honour guard during Monday’s 90th anniversary of the legendary battle.
“This is a part of Canadian history—it’s a national event,” Gilson said in a telephone interview Friday. “So it’s quite an honour.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to represent not only my unit, but the Canadian forces and Canada, and to be part of something as important as this.”
The “Ceremony of Remembrance and Dedication of the Newly-Restored Canadian National Vimy Memorial” on Monday (April 9) is set to be quite significant, with Queen Elizabeth, French president Jacques Chirac, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper to be in attendance.
Gilson noted since it is a military memorial, the Canadian Forces is sending over a large contingent of more than 300 soldiers, including the 120-man honour guard, as well as representation from the navy and other support troops.
“The troops that are going over represent the units that fought back on Vimy Ridge,” Gilson explained. “So it’s going to be representing the old Canadian corps—we’re representing the military.”
His job specifically will be to lead the honour guard by voicing commands.
“My part will be standing out in front, giving the words of command,” he explained. “So, for example, when the Queen arrives at the site, she’ll step on the dais and I’ll give the command for a royal salute.
“Then the soldiers, it’s called present arms, will bring the rifles up in front of them [and] ‘God Save the Queen’ will be played.”
Gilson left for France on Saturday to prepare for the ceremony and the other events surrounding the anniversary.
“A few years ago . . . they came across the bodies of two soldiers,” he noted. “They traced them back and have actually named one of them.
“Both soldiers are from the 49th Battalion, which was the Edmonton-based unit.”
Gilson currently is a reserve army officer with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and explained they trace their history back to the 49th Battalion.
“So we’re providing the burial party for a full military funeral for this soldier,” he said. “And they’ve tracked down his family and some are coming over to take part in it.”
Gilson said other events occurring over the weekend include:
•a Canadian Forces Sunset Ceremony on Saturday (a ceremony, consisting of military maneuvers and music, which will be performed in the tradition of signalling the troops to return to the garrison for the night);
•a Lighting Presentation (which will offer a quiet time to reflect on the meaning of the Vimy Memorial); and
•a Freedom of the City parade and ceremony on Sunday (which will consist of a parade through the streets of Arras and a ceremony between the Canadian Forces and the Mayor of Arras).
Gilson has, in the past, participated in many parades and took on the role as guard commander in ceremonies, such as Remembrance Day, but has not been involved in an event of this magnitude.
“This is at a national scale—it’s a pretty big deal,” he stressed, although saying he’s not nervous. “I’m excited, anxious to get there and start rehearsing, making sure I know what I’m doing.”
Gilson is originally from Fort Frances. Upon graduating from Fort Frances High School, he attended the University of Waterloo. There, he joined the reserves and has been with them since 1987.
Coverage of the Vimy Ridge events this weekend will be shown on CBC.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Gilson said. “Absolutely one of the high points of my military career.”
Fort Frances Times
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