Dignitaries and families gather to honour those who served
By Sean Delaney
The sun shone bright for the first time in many days. Crowds gathered and everyone’s thoughts turned to remembering the many people that gave their lives in war times so that others could live in freedom. Local residents along with BIA staff, gathered once again at Joseph Bannon Park to join in annual Remembrance Day celebrations. “In Flanders Fields” was read out loud by BIA Board member, Tim Lambrinos. Keyla Perruzza added her multilingual assistance and recited some of the ceremony in Spanish. And Vittorio Mazzucca lent his expert trumpet skills to the ceremony, playing “The Last Post” on his trumpet. A special thanks went out from attendees to Rocco Di Giovanni, President of the North Islington Seniors Club along with the club members that helped to celebrate Remembrance Day and honour all of the fallen heroes. Among the dignitaries in attendance were newly elected councillor Anthony Perruzza along with his family as well as area MPP Tom Rakocevic. The day also saw members of the 31 Division police force make an attend. The officers in attendance included PC Euan McDermott of the Youth In Policing Initiative (YIPI) as well as Isfahan Yusuf, Henry Aikins-Mensah and Jay Mistry. And once again, members of the family of Emery’s own Joseph Bannon were on hand to share stories of, and honour their father-grandfather. Bannon was a local hero of World War 2 , who along with his wife, went on to serve the Emery community in a number of ways. The Emery Village BIA thanked everyone for gathering on this special day.