A large crowd gathered for the annual Remembrance Day Parade and ceremony, with many making the march from the Royal Canadian Legion to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital and back. Seen above, as one of his last official duties, Winchester Mayor Tony Fraser lays a wreath on behalf of the Township of North Dundas. Tinkess Photo
WINCHESTER – Bright, blue skies and light, wispy clouds greeted the crowd of more than 150 who gathered on Sun., Nov. 8 at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital as part of the Remembrance Parade and Ceremony. Initially, the crowd seemed much smaller, but as the parade wound its way towards the hospital, it became apparent that many people had chosen to march along with the colour party, Ottawa Police Pipes and Drums, and veterans as a show of respect.
The ceremony was led by Shawn Doolan, Poppy Chair at the Winchester branch 108 of the Royal Canadian Legion. “Through many wars and conflicts brave Canadians have made the unimaginable sacrifices, leaving behind their families, homes, and dreams to protect the values and freedoms that make our country what it is today,” said Doolan. “Their courage and selflessness allow us, and generations yet to come, to live in peace.
“Today we pause to remember and honour those who sacrifice their lives to protect our future. Remembrance Day ceremonies include music, readings, and actions that hold special meaning for veterans and for Canada’s military history.
The ceremony continued with a rendition of O Canada, followed by the Last Post, two minutes of silence, followed by the Lament, and The Rouse.
The Act of Remembrance, the Commitment to Remember, the prayers for those lost and those who still suffer, this year led by Mark Calder, each usually heard once a year, but still so familiar to each of the people present. Molly Henderson, representing North Dundas District High School (NDDHS) read “In Flanders Fields,” and then came the laying of the wreaths, each one placed quietly, reverently, each person keeping their own thoughts as they approached the monument.
And then, almost too soon the ceremony was over with the playing of God Save the King. Everyone was invited back to the Legion (kids’ menu across the street at the Old Town Hall.) Many chose to accompany the parade on the return route.
Another year past, another ceremony completed, but with a strong message that we will never forget the sacrifice that was made.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Morrisburg, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cat Chubbers.
