In more ways than one this was an event of a lifetime for Virden centenarian, Ethel Bowles.
Her son David Greenlay of Leduc, Alta. came to Manitoba in July to plan his mother’s 100th birthday celebration, but at the time he had no idea she would also receive a “Salute” from, the civilian organization, Brandon Salutes, plus recognition from Canadian Forces Base Shilo.
Greenlay returned for a week-long visit, taking in the Dec. 6 celebration and then his mother’s community party held on Wednesday, Dec. 8, one day after her actual birthdate of Saturday Dec. 7.
On Wednesday, the birthday gal was keyed up knowing she would receive recognition that day from Brandon Salutes, but there were some additional honours in store. It was a surprise when members of Canadian Forces Base Shilo entered the dining hall of Princess Lodge.
To top that, Shilo’s piper, Robert MacKay (Scottish pronunciation MacKeye) stepped in with the bag pipes and filled the room with strains of happy Birthday. But that wasn’t enough for Ethel who spoke up saying, “Play more!” And without a moment’s hesitation MacKay piped the classic, “Scotland the Brave.” And Ethel, and the crowd in the room, were delighted.
Chairperson for Brandon Salutes, Matt Bolley then presented Ethel with the Salute, a framed certificate to thank her for her steadfast support of deployed soldiers from the western Manitoba area through the “We Care” care package program. “She has single handedly assured that dozens of soldiers have been remembered and thanked for their service.”
Then kneeling at Ethel’s side, Commander Lieutenant-Colonel D.R. Cronk made an additional presentation. He said, “Great appreciation to Brandon Salutes and great appreciation to Ethel for her overly generous donations over the years.” He proceeded to read aloud the plaque’s message:
“Presented to Mrs. Ethel Bowles for her unparalleled and outstanding contribution to the Brandon Salutes ‘We Care package program.’ Her contributions over 10 years have ensure the funding was available so the deployed members of the Canadian Armed Forces from southwestern Manitoba received a package from home. She is generous to a fault, with appreciation from the CFB Shilo Command Team, Lt. Col. David Cronk and Chief Warrant Officer Leclair.”
Upon hearing this read aloud in Princess Lodge dining hall, Ethel emotionally exclaimed, then promptly said, “And you’ll get a good cheque for Christmas,” which drew a round of laughter from friends, family and guests.
“Thank you, Ethel, for everything you’ve done for the (military) community. It’s very heartfelt,” said the Shilo base commander.
Ethel cut into her 100th birthday cake and the party enjoyed lunch.
Brandon Salutes
Ethel’s first donations came as a surprise to the Brandon Salutes organization.
“To be honest, Ethel found us. We didn't find her. One day, we just got a card and a cheque from Ethel Bowles, who no one had ever met or knew of,” says Bolley.
Brandon Salutes is one of a handful of civilian organizations across Canada that pair with military bases in Canada to foster community connections. The Brandon group took shape in about 2004.
Bolley says Ethel’s donation is an example of the broad support they receive. He said, “We might be sporting the name Brandon Salutes, but we've had contributions from all over the area.” Typically, the care packages are sent to soldiers serving in small deployment groups, “soldiers in ones or twos from the base, who are part of a NATO mission or part of the UN mission or… with other allied countries and nobody really knows they're gone.”
Bolley says, “That gives us the opportunity to send them a package…because people don't really realize they're gone. And so, they don't have the camaraderie necessarily of fellow soldiers from the base.”
Once these soldiers return, the Salutes then hear how much their care packages boosted moral. “And that's really heartwarming.”
