Once again the sun shone through the trees of Cataraqui Cemetery, and the Kingston Historical Society was blessed with another beautiful day for the Sir John A. Macdonald Remembrance. Although 6 June 2005 began with some threatening skies, it cleared for the workers to commence preparing the site at 10 AM, and by 12:30 guests began to arrive at the Cemetery. Many took advantage of their early arrival to walk through this beautiful historic site. The area surrounding the gravesite soon became a hub of activity as participants began to arrive for the 1:30 start. The official party, escorting guest speaker The Rt. Honourable Herb Gray, and the Mayor, arrived just before starting time to view a large crowd - perhaps the largest in recent time—including representatives from the Fort Henry Guard, the R.C.M.P, and children from both local School Boards. Special thanks must go to Ron Sharp, Director of Education, and David Wyatt, of the Limestone Board, who provided this important event with enthusiastic students and a choir from Limestone District School Board.

The traditional procedures followed: welcoming addresses, laying of wreaths, scripture readings. But the highlight of the day was the address by The Rt. Honourable Herb Gray, who was introduced by KHS President Maurice Smith and thanked by Peter J. Radley, Chairperson of the KHS Sir John A. Committee. At the conclusion of the ceremony, all rose and joined the choir in the singing of “God Save The Queen ,” followed by the march-off, “A Salute to Sir John A.,” played by the Fort Henry Guard Piper.

Everyone then adjourned to the Open Air Chapel for refreshments provided by Society and organized by Jennifer and John McKendry with the assistance of the Kingston Association for Community Living. As usual, they provided an outstanding table of home-made goodies and drinks. The school children (who had to leave immediately after the event because of school bus commitments) were provided with drinks and donuts, courtesy of K. Brezinski from Coffee Way.

The 2005 Chair, Peter Radley, invites everyone to come again on Tuesday, 6 June 2006 — and to bring a friend!

A good day was had by all and the Society, once again, was an excellent host.

Photographs by Randy Genois.

The Rt. Hon. Herb Gray and Kingston Mayor, Harvey Rosen	The Rt. Hon Herb Gray paying his respects after laying a wreath on the grave of Sir John A. Macdonald

Guests and dignitaries are addressed by Peter Radley, chair of the Macdonald Committee for KHS

For more information on the June 6 event see the
June 6 Commemoration Page