June 2:  Orangeville, Ontario:  Sets the Bar High

The residents of Orangeville turned out in full force today to welcome the Portraits of Honour National Tour to their city.  It was an important day as it was the first community-hosted stop on the tour.  Thousands of residents and students from several schools lined the streets waving Canadian flags distributed by the Orangeville Kinsmen and Kinettes as a police, fire and military escort led the POH trailer to the local arena.

Once there, hundreds of students watched intently as Artist Dave unveiled the mural and spoke about Orangeville's fallen hero, Corporal Matthew McCully who died in May 2007.  Hundreds of people toured past the mural, many leaving in tears while some of the younger ones, who may not have fully understood the significance, fully understood how important our troops are.   You see, even young children understand that there are bullies out there and they understand that someone strong needs to protect those who are too week to protect themselves.

A special ceremony concluded the night which included representation from several military units, some incredible singing by a local artist and a very moving speech from Cpl. McCully's mother Valerie.  The Kinsmen then announced that they will be presenting POH with a cheque for $10,000.

Well done Orangeville.  You set the bar high.