Pace on Earth

The Valley Town

Residents of Fredericton were shocked on Monday to learn that their (and the Provincial) Cenotaph had been damaged by vandals sometime Sunday night. A 6foot cross at one end of the main monument was pushed/pulled down. It would have taken several small people and maybe 1 bear. It would not have been easy. However, no one was caught and no witnesses have come forward. There has been legitimate outrage, much handwringing and even some righteous indignation. The question was asked online - what has happened to Fredericton that this could happen? The answer is that some idiot(s) happened to do something idiotic. Itiots have been doing that forever.

I got up this morning in Devon, walked across the Bill Thorpe Memorial walking brige on a perfect fall day, met Dad and Will at the foot of the bridge to take the short walk to the Cenotaph. As I had hoped, there was a huge turnout. By the time we arrived there wasn't a decent view to be had. At the end of the ceremony we had to walk farther down Queen st. than I remember having to do last year to applaud the parade of veterans, current troops, and cadets. The was an outpouring of support financially as well with money flowing into the legion to help with repairs. I have no doubt that whatever anger our soldiers may have felt has been replaced with pride by the warmth shown them at today's ceremony. It was great to see.

As an aside, last night I went to see a Elliot Brood at the Capitol. There was some good pre-show buzz about these guys and the place was therefore packed. The show was great; very high energy and they were very tight - great harmonies. There were many highlights but this one reminded me of home, the appropriately named 'The Valley Town':

Home sweet home.

This afternoon we played our last rugby game of the year. It was the 2nd Annual Bill Thorpe Memorial game that we play versus UNB. We had a good tough game against the students and enjoyed a beer with them afterwards. It was a great day for rugby and, for that matter, a great day all around. Bill was, and remains, a Fredericton legend. A community-minded indivudual, he would have been humbled to have the game played in his honour, and he would have swelled with pride at the show of support from the residents of Fredericton this morning. I feel much the same way.

Home sweet home indeed.

Pace out.

posted by Vitamin S @ 11:44 p.m.