The general manager of the Mariners Centre says they are pulling out all the stops to make sure the Remembrance Day service will
be a memorable experience for everyone.
Gil Dares says while the service will be modified do to the upcoming curling championships, everything is being done to ensure
the atmosphere is one of respect.
There will be limited seating on the floor of Arena 1, because the ice for the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship will be installed.
Dares says criticism of the Mariners Centre is misplaced.
“For the first time ever we’ve removed the boards and glass in anticipation of the mixed curling so there’s going to be an unobstructed view and probably better sound from the floor because of that so the audience will be more involved in the service.”
Dares is well aware of recent criticism that the service is scaled-back.
“I take exception to anyone who thinks we would do anything disrespectful to veterans. My dad was a veteran, he was wounded overseas. My mom is a war bride. For anyone to suggest that we would do anything that would be disrespectful to the Legion or to veterans is just incomprehensible to me.”
“We try to do everything to freshen the p;lace up. We’ve ordered new flags for our flagpoles, We’ll pull out all the stops to make sure the place is as clean and shiny as possible. I think everyone’s going to enjoy the service, it’s modified a bit but there also going to get an opportunity to see how we converted the arena to a natioinal curling bonspiel. “
“The curling executive and the people at the Legion have worked to come up with a viable solution. The important thing is, on November 11 please come and join us and show the respect that t he veterans are due.”
