Remembrance Day pays tribute to those who have served
A huge crowd paid tribute to veterans near and far as part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Amherstburg.
Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 organized the parade and ceremony at the cenotaph Nov. 11 with the day including the laying of wreaths, cannon firings by the Provincial Marine, speeches from local dignitaries and, most importantly, the honouring of veterans and active service members.
Essex MP Chris Lewis was impressed by what he saw as he overlooked the large crowd at the cenotaph.
“This is really heart-touching when I see this many people show up in Amherstburg,” said Lewis.
Lewis pointed out many soldiers went to serve their country and didn’t make it home. He said families bid farewell to their loved ones as they went off to war, not knowing if they would ever see them again.
“We must never allow their sacrifices to be forgotten,” said Lewis. “We must say never again.”
Lewis added he shares the history behind the meaning of Remembrance Day with his children and grandchild. He also paid tribute to the injured and fallen soldiers from the recent tragedy at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta as part of his expression of gratitude to those who have served and to those who are currently serving.
“We owe them a debt of gratitude,” stated Lewis. “We must never forget.”
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi was also among the dignitaries laying a wreath, noting he was pleased to see the turnout in his home community of Amherstburg.
Leardi offered his gratitude to both current and past serving members of the Canadian military.
“Thank you to all of the men and women for all of your service in the past,” said Leardi. “Thank you to the men and women serving our country today.”
Mayor Michael Prue thanked those who brought children and youth to the Remembrance Day ceremony. He said it is vital to pass the knowledge and lessons about the day from generation to generation.
“It is important that we never forget,” said Prue.
Prue pointed out the town has worked with Legion Br. 157 various initiatives over the past few years. Those include the veterans’ crosswalk, the veterans banners on poles, poppies on street signs, re-naming a portion of Dalhousie St. as “Veterans’ Way” among others.
“You will see all of this in town because we all have remembered,” said Prue.
Prue said both his father and his wife Shirley’s father both served Canada and he paid tribute to them and everyone who have served.
“We remember the sacrifices of those who did not come home and those who did,” he said, adding many who did return suffered physical and emotional wounds.
Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 was also thanked, with Prue pointed out while Legions in some parts of the country are unfortunately closing, the membership at the Amherstburg Legion continues to climb.
“We all need to be very proud of them,” said Prue. “This is one of the few Legions in the country that have grown its membership.”
Legion Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie noted the history behind the poppy and how it became a symbol of those who sacrificed. It has become of symbol of hope and peace, he said.
Wilkie added Remembrance Day was not a day for celebration, but a day to remember and honour those who have served. He said the sacrifices made by those who served and those who continue to serve should be remembered not just on Nov. 11 but every single day.
“When you see a vet, thank a vet, but give that vet some space,” said Wilkie.
The parade went from Legion Br. 157 on Dalhousie St. to Murray St., east on Murray St. to Sandwich St. S., north on Sandwich St. S. to Richmond St. and west on Richmond St. through the Navy Yard Park parkette to the cenotaph. After the ceremony, it resumed and headed south on Dalhousie St. back to the Legion.
By Ron Giofu
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