Story featured across Sturgeon County

As a freelancer, it’s always exciting to see my pictures and paragraphs published.  The latest is my coverage of the Vimy Ridge parade on April 10, 2016 at Edmonton Garrison that involved the Alberta Lieutenant-Governor.

The photo you see above shows the parade inspection, and appears on page 2 in the April 15 edition of Farm n Friends.  That newspaper is published weekly and distributed to thousands of readers in communities across Sturgeon County.  To see all of my photos visit www.grantcree.ca and click to the Gallery section. 

Here’s the caption:

Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell (centre) was the reviewing officer for the Vimy Ridge parade on April 10 at Edmonton Garrison. More than 300 Army Cadets from 17 corps across northern and central Alberta participated in the ceremony to mark the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge that took place in April 1917 during the First World War.

Grant Cree is an Edmonton-based photojournalist focusing on photo and video event coverage to help clients connect with their audiences. www.grantcree.ca  780-940-3228

Memory Project speakers’ bureau

Had the pleasure to photograph The Memory Project speakers’ bureau on Saturday, April 16 in Edmonton’s Strathcona Royal Canadian Legion.  The afternoon event featured five local residents who spoke to a crowded room about their experiences with the Canadian military.  Two of the uniformed speakers are currently posted at Edmonton Garrison - they shared a variety of personal stories, including serving in Afghanistan.

Speakers and musicians gather for a group photo on April 16 in Strathcona Royal Canadian Legion where The Memory Project hosted their speakers' bureau.

 The other three speakers are retired military.  One is a decorated Legion member who served during the Cold War.  The other two volunteer with Edmonton United Services Institute, a non-profit organization that connects and educates civilians with the military community.   

My favourite speaker was a lady who served during the Second World War with British Military Intelligence at Bletchley Park – headquarters of the Allied code breaking centre.  She was familiar with Alan Turing, who was the subject of The Imitation Game, a Hollywood movie that was released in 2014.  

The Memory Project is a nationwide bilingual initiative that coordinates with veterans and Canadian Armed Forces personnel to speak at events and share their stories with Canadians of all ages.  Are you a serving or retired military member?  Want to educate people about your experiences in uniform?  The Memory Project wants to hear from you!  Contact them via their website or phone them at 1-866-701-1867.

Grant Cree is an Edmonton-based photojournalist focusing on photo and video event coverage to help clients connect with their audiences. www.grantcree.ca  780-940-3228

Lieutenant-Governor at Vimy Ridge parade

Alberta Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell was the reviewing officer for the Vimy Ridge parade on April 10, 2016 in the Edmonton Garrison Lecture Training Facility Drill Hall.  More than 300 Army Cadets from 17 corps across northern and central Alberta gathered participated in the ceremony. This commemoration marked the 99^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge that began on April 9, 1917. Photos by Grant Cree.

Grant Cree is an Edmonton-based photojournalist focusing on photo and video event coverage to help clients connect with their audiences. www.grantcree.ca  780-940-3228

Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell (centre) inspects more than 300 army cadets on April 10, 2016 during the Vimy Ridge parade at Edmonton Garrison. 

Other dignitaries at the parade included Brigadier-General Wayne Eyre, Commander of 3^rd Canadian Division; Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel J’Lyn Nye of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron; and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Gord Steinke of 15 Field Ambulance. Military musicians with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band performed during the afternoon event. The Vimy Ridge parade was organized by the Army Cadet League of Canada (Alberta).

Photos © grantcree.ca.   

Lieutenant-Governore Lois Mitchell delivers a speech during the Vimy Ridge parade on April 10, 2016 at Edmonton Garrison where more than 300 army cadets participated in the afternoon event.

Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell (left) stands at the dais as more than 300 army cadets march past during the Vimy Ridge parade on April 10, 2016 at Edmonton Garrison.