The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup festivities are officially underway following a day full of celebration highlighted by the Memorial Cup’s arrival to the City of Windsor.
The historic trophy ventured along the Detroit River Thursday evening from Sarnia on board the Canadian Coast Guard Patrol vessel Constable Carriere before docking at Dieppe Gardens.
From there it was off-loaded and embarked on a military led parade through the streets of downtown Windsor to the Cenotaph for a ceremony that included Royal Canadian Legion veterans and dignitaries.
“The reason we have all gathered in Windsor is to celebrate the Memorial Cup,” said Michael Akpata, military liaison for the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Committee. “The Memorial Cup, one of the most prestigious and coveted trophies in North American sport, has a rich tradition that has shaped the way junior hockey is played in North America.”
The procession included participation from Windsor Police Services, Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party Zone A-1, Sterling Heights Police Colour Party, Royal Canadian Navy, Windsor Regiment, Essex and Kent Regiment, #31 Service Battalion, RCMP, CBSA, Veterans, Cadet Units, Windsor Fire Department, and Military G-Wagons, M-37’s, and 43 Willys Jeeps.
“The trophy originated in 1919, in remembrance of the many soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for Canada in The First World War,” says Akpata. “In 2010 the Memorial Cup was rededicated to the memory of all fallen Canadian Military Personnel.”
The program at the Cenotaph included First Nations Drummers, the singing of both Canadian and American national anthems, the playing of The Last Post, Scottish Pipers, a wreath laying at the Cenotaph by WWII veteran Ralph Mayville, Gun Salute by members of the R.C.N.A Firing Party, Presentation of the Colours by the most Senior Veterans Organization, and the singing of God Save the Queen.
The event concluded with a parade of the Memorial Cup to City Hall where the trophy was displayed for public photo opportunities.
