Wreath laying at the Cenotaph
Township of North Dundas Mayor Eric Duncan lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in Winchester on behalf of the Township on Sun., Nov. 5. The wreath laying followed the ceremonial parade and the Remembrance Day service at the Winchester Public School. Over 30 wreaths were laid at the memorial, which is located at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s main entrance.      O’Donohue photo

The Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band leads the parade of marchers from the Legion on Main Street to Winchester Public School for the Remembrance Day Service on Sun., Nov. 5. O’Donohue photo

Michelle O’Donohue
Record Contributor
WINCHESTER – Heavy rain could not drown out the sound of bagpipes in downtown Winchester on Sun., Nov. 5, nor could it deter attendees from taking part in an early Remembrance Day ceremony. Crowds gathered downtown at the Legion to watch the parade led by the Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band. The procession departed from Main Street, and marched to Winchester Public School where a short ceremony was held. The ceremony included a reading of In Flanders Field, bugler Shaun Steele playing Last Post and Reveille, and Amazing Grace was played by the Pipe Band. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Bruce Kemp of Winchester Presbyterian Church and Reverend Bud McKibbon of Winchester Baptist Church.

A view of the Winchester Cenotaph, located in front of the main entrance to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, after the wreath laying ceremony, and the deposit of poppies by Legion members, and service members present. O’Donohue photo

Following the ceremony, the crowd moved outside to the Cenotaph in front of Winchester District Memorial Hospital for a wreath-laying ceremony. The first wreaths laid were on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, followed by Mayor Eric Duncan laying a wreath on behalf of North Dundas. In total, over 30 wreaths were laid. Following the ceremony, Legion members, and service members present lay their poppies down by the Cenotaph, and began the march back to the Legion.

The weather was appropriate for the somber service, but the ceremony was successful in having attendees stop and remember those who have bravely fought for our country.

Several other Remembrance Day ceremonies will be taking place across SD&G on Sat., Nov. 11.