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They had told us yesterday that there would be a tribute to all fallen Paramedics in Alberta today at 1pm behind the Alberta Legislature building. Tracey said she would be coming in her wheelchair with her dog, Thor, but she apparently had a fitting for boots at that time.
The whole program seemed much longer than the actual hour it took because it was mostly speeches with some occasional singing or music. I was hoping to see one of the two paramedics I know, but actually most of the crowd were representatives of different related branches, fire, police, military, RCMP, etc. from all over the Province. After O' Canada was sung, there was a flyover of 2 military helicopters.
Many of the speeches were touching, especially when speaking about the dangers and sacrifices made by heroes under harsh circumstances...
One native lady spoke of how her newborn was taken from her until she proved she could look after it. When she was sober for a year, she got to look after her son, who is now 19, and she is still sober. She recounted how a problem with her son just a week later forced an ambulance ride with EMS and how a female paramedic kept her hopes high and kept in touch later... Then her daughter's addictions and suicide attempts put her in contact with EMS many more times.. I found this hard to rationalize when she said that she is an addictions counsellor.... obviously not a very good one... Then she sang a repetitive native song to the sound of her own drum.
The afternoon was quite an experience with free food and drink after.
I then cruised the Legislature grounds again and stopped to where they have tours for the building. The lady was nice but said that I didn't have a chance to join the 3pm tour, the last of the day. She says that you have to book online, and a person could book for a whole group. I mentioned that most of the seniors in our building have no knowledge of Internet or computers... The world just doesn't care any more. Everything is online gimmicks and scanning QR codes.... Grrrrrr...
Out by the fountains, I was surprised to see this large crow sitting behind a quiet man, only about 4' apart...
Then when I arrived back at our parking lot I saw "the plant lady" fussing about so I took some better close-ups of the tulips...
Tonight, Don was supposed to be cooking the steaks I have stored for him in my fridge, but his health is iffy again today with badly swollen legs.
He suggested tomorrow, but I already have plans for tomorrow.. It really is frustrating when folks can't follow through on their commitments but it is understandable when they all have so many health problems.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. That was the day’s excitement.
Al
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| Gathering to honor the Fallen Paramedics of Alberta |
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| Pipers |
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| Honour guard |
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| Military |
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| Helicopters |
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| The tram nearby |
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| The addictions counsellor singing |
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| The "Major"? |
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| The guard |
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| The overseer |
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| EMS pooch |
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| The monument |
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| Military Rescue Vehicle |
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| The back of it |
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| The Legislature side |
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| The front |
Statue outside 
The calm crow 
