Fort Res teen shines on Remembrance Day
Macheala Larocque says she was honoured to lay wreath at national war memorial in Ottawa on behalf of Canadian Junior Rangers
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Monday, November 16, 2015
OTTAWA
A Fort Resolution teenager was in a very bright spotlight on Remembrance Day in the nation's capital. Macheala Larocque, 17, said that she was absolutely honoured to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on behalf of the Junior Canadian Rangers.
Canadian Ranger Dorothy Simon, left, Junior Ranger Machaela Larocque from Fort Resolution and 2015 Silver Cross mother, Sheila Anderson of Yellowknife have a seat during a tour of the House of Commons on Nov. 10. - Photo courtesy of Canadian Ranger Dorothy Simon |
Larocque said there were many highlights to the day, admitting that she was very nervous before laying the wreath.
"I was told what I had to do but the whole time I was just thinking, 'Don't trip, please don't trip,'" she said.
Next up for Larocque after the wreath was laid was a brief meeting with new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
"He shook my hand and said to me, 'I appreciate you. I appreciate what you have done and everything you will do on behalf of your country.' I was very, very proud because it's not every day that a prime minister says that they appreciate you," she said.
Larocque said that ceremony was proceeded by an event honouring indigenous veterans. It was followed by a dinner at Rideau Hall.
She believes she was chosen because she is considered by her commanding officers as the top Junior Ranger across all three territories.
Larocque said she has a firm grasp on what Remembrance Day means, at least to her, despite her relatively young age.
"It's really important to me. I know a lot of people say this but it's true – the troops died because they wanted to have their lives. I also don't think Remembrance Day is just for the troops. Behind every soldier there is a family. It's about celebrating the people who have done everything they can to make Canada a better place," Larocque said.
"I was overwhelmed with pride to represent as an aboriginal, a female and a teenager and a Junior Canadian Ranger. I had to be composed because I was representing such a big group of people and they deserve to be represented well and they deserve to be represented amazingly."
Larocque was born in Hay River and raised in Fort Resolution and attends Diamond Jenness School in Hay River.
