Hundreds gathered at the Cenotaph Memorial Park in Corbeil this morning to honour Canada’s veterans. Many local children also attended the Remembrance Day ceremony, two of whom read In Flanders Fields for those gathered, in both English and French.
The snow, which became heavier during the moment of silence, continued to fall throughout the readings.
“The greatest love is giving up one’s life for others,” said Deacon Tim Foster, in his prayer before the wreath laying ceremony. “Today we remember those who fought and died for our freedom.”
“May we never forget their generosity,” Deacon Foster said of the soldiers, “for leaving their loved ones to face the horrors of war.”
The 2nd Regiment RCHA from Petawawa were guests at today’s ceremony, and MP Anthony Rota and MPP Vic Fedeli attended as well.
See: Remembrance Day ceremonies set for Saturday
East Ferris’ Mayor, Pauline Rochefort, offered a brief speech to acknowledge “the brave Canadians, and also the residents of East Ferris who served and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for the cause of peace.”
She thanked those who serve today, for continuing to defend “our freedom, our values, and our security.”
See: Fedeli says there's financial assistance for Veterans and their families
The first wreath laid was on behalf of the Silver Cross Mother, and many more followed. The Townships of Bonfield and Chisolm laid wreaths, as did East Ferris. The OPP and the East Ferris Fire and Emergency Services laid wreaths as well. Nineteen wreaths were laid at the base of the cenotaph.
“Let we forget those who fought, suffered, and died,” Deacon Foster reminded all, “so we may have the freedom and peace we enjoy today.”
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
