A famous person once said:
We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our power to add or to detract.
The world will very little note nor long remember what we say here; but it can never forget what they did here.
We come here today to honour the memory of Bruce Hannaford.
Those that had the pleasure of knowing our Uncle B will never forget.
Deep down inside he has left a lot of us with a skill and though there may be times when we think he is not watching and we (to use his words) push the envelope to further develop and improve our riding skill know full well he is watching, and being Bruce he encourages through saying very little. In all that he did say, his few words were purposeful and meaningful.
In the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, people will come and sit here:
At times it will be to rest and reflect, to enjoy and give thanks for what we have.
There will be times where some may come and sit in utter despair and alone.
Some may come with a close friend to share their burden.
And some may come together to share their love and joy.
Today we come here not to mourn our loss, but to celebrate in the knowledge that this seat will have a purpose the days and years ahead, all people that have rested here will take something away:
In anguish and despair, there may be hope and determination.
In the quiet reflecting moments there may be peace and understanding.
The world will very little note nor long remember what we say here; but it can never forget what they did here.
We will never forget what Uncle B did here and we can never forget what we take away with us each time when we ride from this place.
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