By : Muriel Fortin, President
Translation Lilian Fortin (0527)
This year, the Association des Fortin d’Amérique sent out a special invitation to its members. The unveiling of the monument in honour of Julien Fortin and Geneviève Gamache was paired with the 2015 Reunion which was held last July 4 at the Ste-Anne- de-Beaupré Community Centre. We were out in force – 175 members and friends travelled from all over Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the United States.
The day started beautifully, with a radiant sky and comfortable temperatures. As usual, René Fortin, assisted by his wife Jeanne and their son Jonathan welcomed participants with a smile and the necessary documents for participation in the day’s activities.
Gisèle Vézina, Jean-Pierre Fortin and Muriel Pagé were available to respond to any genealogical questions. A sales booth had been set up for those who wished to purchase pins, our coat of arms or copies of the Fortinfo.
Morning free time allowed many to reconnect with old friends and make new ones…
Around 12:30, an excellent hot lunch was served and participants continued to socialize; the mood was celebratory.
During the meal, Mr. Jean-Luc Fortin, mayor of Ste Anne-de-Beaupré presented members with 5 ans, and 10 ans as well as one lifetime member certificate.
Presentation of the certificate to Louis Fortin (0171)
Before the end of the meal, two people were chosen by random draw (a Fortin man and a Gamache woman) to unveil the monument during the ceremony that was to take place in the late afternoon.
The day continued with the Association’s annual general assembly, during which members of the Board of Directors were elected.
Lawrence Bernard (0643) was named election President and Muriel Pagé (0552) was named Secretary. Six members of the Board were outgoing and two posts were vacant. Following the elections, all posts were filled and the new Board of Directors is comprised of the following members: Muriel Fortin (0603), President; Charles Fortin (0459), Vice-President; Achille Fortin (0082), Secretary; André Fortin (0043), Registrar; René Fortin (0022), Treasurer; Jean-Pierre Fortin (0008) Administrator; Pascale Fortin (0336) Administrator; Monique Fortin (0297), Administrator; Jean Fortin (0815), Administrator; Guy Bernard (0839), Administrator; Line Fortin (0520), Administrator; Daniel Fortin (0170), Administrator; Christian Fortin (0505), Administrator.
At 3:15 pm, participants boarded buses which took them to the St-Joachim church to participate in a commemorative mass in the memory of Julien Fortin and Geneviève Gamache.
The mass was presided by parish priest, father Jacques Fortin assisted by father Raymond-Marie Fortin. Attendees were pleased that father Jacques Fortin pronounced his sermon from the pulpit, as was the tradition long ago.
The unveiling ceremony – the high point of the day – took place on Julien Fortin’s ancestral lands at 765 chemin du Cap-Tourmente in the municipality of St-Joachim.
Christian Fortin (0505), acting as master of ceremonies, invited Charles Fortin, outgoing President of the Association, to open the ceremony by speaking to the participants.
Mr. Marc Dubeau, mayor of St-Joachim, followed, congratulating the organizers of the event. The Association, for its part, was proud to present him with the Fortin d’Amérique coat of arms.
The key moment had arrived, the unveiling ceremony Mr. Antoine Fortin and Ms. Pauline Gamache, winners of the random draw, unveiled the monument.
Following the ceremony a surprise awaited participants. Marguerite Hyardin, fille du Roi (King’s daughter1), played by Sylvie Asselin spoke about her connection to the Fortin family. A photo session followed for those who wished it.
Upon return to the Community Centre, a cocktail dinner awaited the participants who greatly appreciated joining up with old friends and new acquaintances for the end of this memorable day.
We wish to thank all those who, through their donations, efforts, encouragement and presence made this 2015 Reunion a great success. It is encouraging to know that so many people are invested in this great family of ours, the FORTINS! Meet up with us for the 2016 Reunion on Sunday July 10, 2016. at the Village d’Antan (Heritage Village) in Drummondville, an event not to be missed!
1 The King’s daughters were the approximately 800 young French women who immigrated to New France between 1663 and 1673 as part of a program sponsored by Louis XIV to boost Canada’s population both by encouraging male immigrants to settle there, and by promoting marriage and family.