The final show saluting Armstrong’s centennial birthday will truly be a blessing.
Entertainer Christine Pilgrim, pianist Jim Leonard and ukulele player El Gusto have teamed up with the City of Armstrong and its Royal Canadian Legion to present an interactive family show entitled Bless ‘Em All on Sunday, Nov. 3.
“It will pay tribute to those citizens whose contributions, sacrifices and service during wartime shaped Armstrong during the 100 years since its incorporation,” said Mayor Chris Pieper.
Such contributions include those of local women, from Mrs. Shepherd who started the Red Cross, Mrs. Danallanko (née Becker), an air raid spotter during the Second World War, and Cassie Hunter, a military nurse in the First World War.
Focus will also fall on local service men from Majors Le Duc and Wolfenden to pilot officer Keith Pellett and regular soldiers like the Schuberts and Harry Brown. In fact, many well-remembered local names will be featured.
Countless reminders of their impact can be seen around Armstrong.
“Streets are named after those who served, from the Maundrells to the Hunters to the Van Kleecks,” said Pieper. “The tulips that bloom in Memorial Park are a token of thanks from liberated Holland. And, of course, the cenotaph bears the names of those who did not return.”
The two performances of Bless ‘Em All – one starting at 2 p.m. and the other at 4 p.m., both at Centennial Hall – will not only honour those who left their mark on Armstrong, it will be jam-packed with songs, jokes and anecdotes.
There will be opportunities to participate in some of the fun with Armstrong’s own Beverley Peacock managing technical details.
The 2013 version of the Soldiers Home Comfort Club (also known in this instance as Royal Canadian Legion Branch #35) will serve light refreshments between the two shows from 3 p.m. in the adjacent drill hall where memorabilia will also be on display.
Those leaving the first show can be served early, while those who would like to come early to the second show should arrive around 3:30 p.m.
Advance tickets for both shows, including refreshments, will be on sale for a toonie at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum, the Legion and Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.
