Well over 100 people attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Bradford Legion on Monday, thanks to a large contingent of students from Chris Hadfield Public School.
The elementary students walked from their school to attend the ceremony and the wreath-laying that followed, marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the Armistice ended World War I, the ‘Great War.’
They carried signs that read “Thank You!”, decorated with the red poppies that stand for Remembrance – thanking all who served, fought and fell for their country and freedom, in two World Wars, in Korea, in Afghanistan, and in peacekeeping missions around the world.
There were veterans in the crowd, participating in the ceremony. Seated on the veterans’ bench in the front row were World War II veterans Brian Mallett and Les Buxton (RCN), and one-time Reservist Linda Chow.
And veterans stepped forward to lay wreaths on behalf of fallen comrades.
This year’s ceremony was filled with music. The Color Party entered to the strains of The Maple Leaf Forever; the Lament was followed by Sailor Jerri’s version of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, re-written for veterans.
“They went with songs into battle,” said Poppy Chair Anne Silvey, in keeping with the musical theme. “They were staunch to the end. They fell with their faces to the foe.”
“We thank you for those valiant hearts,” said Padre Dana Dickson, adding prayers for peace.
All stood for O Canada, for The Last Post, the Lament, the moment of silence and Reveille, as the snow and temperatures fell.
“Thank you for braving the storm today, and the snowy weather,” said Mike Giovanetti, Past President of the Legion and the ceremony’s Emcee – adding a reminder, “Our soldiers had it worse in the past.”
Coming out for Remembrance Day, he said, was one way to say thanks, and to remember.