Manitouwadge By-Law Officer Makes International Headlines
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge flanked by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen pause for a moment of silence at the Canadian War Memorial Thursday, June 30, 2011 in Ottawa. Photo Paul Chiasson Canadian Press
OTTAWA, ON – Yesterday, the newlywed Royal Couple, Will and Kate, began their Canadian visit with a first stop to reflect at Ottawa’s National War Memorial after arriving in the nation’s capital that afternoon. Manitouwadge couple David and Cherie Gray made national headlines, featured on news-sites like thestar.com, mirror.co.uk, MyFox wausau and others after speaking with reporters on the scene having been among those lucky enough to get quite a close look at Will and Kate with Prime Minister Harper at the War Memorial. The serious nature of the visit was balanced by a very warm public welcome as an enthusiastic cheer, from the hundreds of people at the fences around the memorial, greeted them as they stepped out of their limousine.
Rememberance Day came early as Prime Minister Stephen Harper and wife Laureen greeted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and escorted them to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a bugler played the Last Post, followed by two minutes of silence. A piper played Lament to the Fallen. William laid a wreath and Kate laid a floral spray at the base of the tomb, which contains the unidentified remains of a Canadian soldier who died in World War 1.
The couple then signed the Veterans Affairs visitor book and met the Silver Cross mother Mabel Girouard of Bathurst, N.B., who represents all mothers who have lost children in military service.
This is the couple’s first official overseas visit together since their April wedding and many eager Canadians were there hoping to catch a glimpse and welcome the Royal Couple. As mentioned Manitouwadge By-Law Officer Cherie Gray and her husband David , were in attendance and spoke with Bruce Campion-Smith Ottawa Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star who described the Gray’s location at the memorial as a ‘prime spot facing the memorial with a perfect view’ and quoted David Gray as saying “We were here bright and early, even before the sun came up,”. Gray told the press that he’s been no fan of the monarchy but likes the energy William and Kate bring to the age-old tradition.
After their stop at the Memorial, the royals were off to Rideau Hall for their official welcome to mark the start of their nine-day Canadian visit.
We will be eager to speak with the Grays when they return and perhaps even share some of their photos from the visit.
