Sergeant (Retired) Ernest Alvia "Smokey" Smith, VC .....God bless 'em...RIP..

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

I used to talk to Smokey at the Ottawa 11 November Rememberance Day Parades at the War Memorial..He was always smiling and happy to talk to everyone...
He will lie in state here next week..Here is the press release...

Tribute to Sgt. (Ret) Ernest Alvia "Smokey" Smith, V.C., C.M., O.B.C., C.D.
OTTAWA, Aug. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Sgt. Ernest Alvia "Smokey" Smith, V.C,
C.M., O.B.C.,C.D., remains will lie on Parliament Hill Tuesday,
August 9, 2005. The following media opportunities are available:
Monday, August 8, at approximately 4 p.m. - Arrival of Sgt. Smith's
remains at the Canada Reception Centre, Ottawa International Airport
(Hangar 11). Media wishing to attend must advise the NDHQ Media Liaison Office
at (613) 996-2353/2354, not later than 1 p.m. on August 8.
Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at 8:55 a.m. - Arrival of Sgt. Smith's remains
at the Foyer of the House of Commons. Media must be in position in front of
the main doors not later than 8:40 a.m. and be accredited with the Canadian
Parliamentary Press Gallery at (613) 992-6517.
General media queries can be directed to The Valour Media Centre at
(604) 642-2913/2914, or Fax (604) 642-2744.
More information about Sgt. Smith can be found at:
www.pacificlegion.org/smokeysmith.html

Note to the Editors: The Smith family has asked for complete privacy
during their time of mourning. We ask that the media respect their privacy and
refrain from taking video or still images of the family.



For further information: Information: (613) 996-2353/54, After hours:
(613) 792-2973, http://www.forces.gc.ca