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The Communicator — Fall 2013 Issue The Toronto Signals Band Busy Summer Season by John O’Leary The 2013 season started with the success of the military parade to commemorate the Battle of York. On the same theme, the Band also participated in a commemorative event in Kingsville, Ontario where the Tall Ships were visiting. Kingsville is the westernmost port on ‘our side’ of Lake Erie and saw quite a bit of activity during the 1812 unpleasantness. In the summer, the Band ventured to Erie, Pennsylvania where members behaved themselves despite the prevailing belief that Commodore Perry actually won the war for the Americans. But it was all in good fun as 200 years of time has proven that neither country could have a better neighbour. Other celebrations almost seemed “current” by comparison. The Band performed their first field show of the year on Victoria Day (1819) in Woodstock. Canada Day (1867) celebrations in Port Credit were special as Her Worship Hazel McCallion led the parade on foot for the entire route. No fancy convertibles for this veteran parader and favourite of her constituents. In August, awards positions were reclaimed at the CNE Warriors Day Parade. The Band and the Colour Guard both “medalled”. Later in the month, the Band was honoured to act as the Duty Band for the London Warriors Day Parade. This event is also judged. The Band and the Colour Guard each placed first in their respective categories. From London, the Band ventured into Michigan to be part of the Richmond “Good Old Days” festival and parade. The Band has been here before but especially proud to help celebrate the event’s 50 th anniversary. The crowds were huge and enthusiastic along the whole parade route. What makes this event very special is the appearance at the fairgrounds event tent. Here, we march in, set up at the far end, turn and play to the very appreciative audience. This year, the musicians took a break to permit sisters Lynne and Laura from the Guard to make a special vocal presentation. Although the venue was acoustically challenged, those closest really enjoyed the ‘spirit of friendship’ tribute. 20
The Communicator — Fall 2013 Issue In order to be more visible in the Ontario music community, (as if red coats and fur hats aren’t enough) the Band has become members of two distinguished organizations. The Canadian Band Association supports school, university, military and community bands and all those interested in bands and band music across Canada. Choirs Ontario to broaden our exposure. As we have learned over the years, many people with vocal talent also play instruments. These involved persons are generally active in community events and festivals… some may even want to march. The highlight of 2013 was when the Band received a very special award. As readers of the Communicator know, the Toronto Signals Band has been an allvolunteer, self-supporting organization for over 40 years. Brigade Commander Colonel J.B. Claggett presented The Band with a “Commander’s Commendation” for “loyalty, professionalism and dedication in support of 32 Signal Regiment, the Brigade and the Canadian Army Reserve.” All were deeply moved. And we thought we were just having fun. Capt Audrey Brown , Padre Borden Squadron I can honestly say that I have never polished shoes in my life. I have purchased new shoes on more occasions than I care for my husband to know about and quite honestly…I thought any brand new shoe looked shiny and new. However, I quickly learned that “new shiny” was not the same as “Military shiny”. So I set myself to the task of polishing. I stuck to my mission while repeating the words almost like a mantra— “polish, brush, shine”. I did so with the imposed understanding that, eventually, enough wax would build up so that the shoes can be made to meet the standard of the Military. I’m not sure I believed it would happen or that I would even be able to see the difference—but I kept at it. The task was simple, yet time consuming… mundane...yet soothing. When you polish shoes, all you are really doing is filling in the holes, dents and tiny imperfections that naturally occur in the leather. When done properly, it allows you to appreciate the result as a whole and not focus on minute and inconsequential details. We are all like that pair of shoes. When we take care of ourselves, improve ourselves and polish who we are—we shine. But as we walk through life from day to day...the shine of life can wear off. As it does, the natural holes and dents that make up who we are get revealed and we can go from feeling “polished and shiny” to lack lustre and beaten—as though our souls are literally worn. What if we let the things we have to do…tasks, paperwork, parading, ironing, and shining shoes… be “the polish” for our lives and for our spirits? Thus as we attend to the simple, the mundane, the details of life…we find a soothing balm—a satisfaction in the knowledge that some things can be fixed and made better by our careful attention to detail. Not so that we "look ok" no matter how we feel but more importantly so that each of us is seen for whom we really are as a whole—removed from any subtle flaw that may try to define us. Feel free to polish yourself and shine—even when you don’t think you’ll see the difference. As Marianne Williamson said: "As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same". Blessed Be Padre Brown (Borden Squadron) Borden Squadron Bracebride, November 11, 2013 I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone within the Regimental family for your warm welcome, support and ongoing patience with my Military indoctrination. As I reflect on the many new experiences that joining 32 Signal Regiment has afforded me this past year…one, in particular, stands out—Polishing shoes. 21
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Communicator

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