Sir Sam Steele Honoured
By John Swartz
Sunday morning the life of Sir Samuel Benfield Steele was celebrated at St James’ Anglican Church in Orillia on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his death. Steele was baptized in the church and attended school in Orillia. He was born in Medonte in the area known as Fair Valley, just north of Warminster.
Dignitaries, Ranking officers from Base Borden and Lord Strathcona’s Horse (the regiment Steele raised to fight in the Boer War), a contingent of retired RCMP (some from as far away as Ottawa) , and the OPP joined the congregation.
RCMP Padre Gerry McMillan laid a wreath in Steele’s honour and dedicated a plaque to be installed in the church. Mayor Steve Clarke proclaimed the day Sir Sam Steele Day. A parade followed through the downtown to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34.
Jean Miso (sang National anthem in Cree, French and English at the church service) thanked by event organizer Christine Hager.
(Photos/Video by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia) Main – RCMP and Grey and Simcoe Foresters on Parade at the Sir Sam Steele Day parade.
