A moment of silence
After the Remembrance Day ceremony in Chesterville on Nov. 11, the Cenotaph sat tranquil surrounded by the bright red poppies adorning the wreaths laid at its base. The monuments both old and new recount the names of those from this community who were lost in the fight for freedom. Wreaths were laid by community members, organizations and businesses while crowds gathered to show their respect before following the Colour Party march to the Legion.    Sawyer Helmer photo

Parade marchers walk from McIntosh Park to the Cenotaph across the road for the start of the Remembrance Day service in Berwick. O’Donohue photo

Remembrance Day ceremonies were held across SDG on Sat., Nov. 11. Families and locals gathered, donned their red poppies to recognize the supreme sacrifice made by the men and women of Canada.

A soldier salutes the Cenotaph following the Remembrance Day service in Berwick last Sat., Nov. 11. O’Donohue photo

CHESTERVILLE – Major Steve Grubb of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 454 led the parade from Marsden Funeral Home to the nearby Cenotaph. He called upon Father Charles Enyinnia of St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church, who reminded community members that there is a time for everything, and on Nov. 11, it was a time to remember. After wreaths were laid and the service concluded, Major Steve Grubb encouraged everyone to place their own poppy on the white cross near the Cenotaph to signify their personal act of remembrance. The colour party then marched to the Legion hall, where the community was invited for food and drinks, and to shed the cloak of sorrow, enjoying the freedoms earned by those lost.

Betty Hall of Chesterville placed one of the first wreaths during Chesterville’s Remembrance Day ceremony. Hall made a number of trips to the Cenotaph on behalf of organizations and businesses donating a wreath. Sawyer Helmer photo

MOREWOOD – The Cenotaph was surrounded by military men and women and their families with many community residents for the 96th year of Morewood’s Remembrance Day ceremony. With representatives from CFS Leitrim, Cornwall Armories, cadets, Township of North Dundas Councillors Al Armstrong and Tony Fraser, Morewood firefighters, a cadet Colour Party and piper were led by retired OPP officer and Captain Richard Rowe. Pastor Debbie Poirier from Christ Church United Chesterville provided prayers and a Bible reading. A total of 22 wreaths were laid plus additional ones by the Marionville École élémentaire Ste-Thérèse D’Avila students who constructed wreaths at their school. Ceremony attendees were invited to join at the Morewood Community Centre for a social hour of fellowship and a lunch.

Township of North Dundas Councillor Al Armstrong lays a wreath on behalf of municipal government in Morewood. Carruthers photo

BERWICK – The intersection of Union and Cockburn Street was crowded with people gathered to take in the Remembrance Day ceremony. A police escort was on hand to assist with traffic, as onlookers extended into the street. Shortly before 11 a.m. a parade departed from McIntosh Park, and marched to the Cenotaph for the start of the service. Reverend Lois Gaudet of the Avonmore-Finch-Martintown Pastoral Charge led the service. In her opening remarks, she noted the primary importance of ceremonies such as this, “At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, time stands still for one minute. And we remember those who died, not for the sake of war, but who sacrificed themselves for a world that would be free, and at peace.” Following her remarks, attendees joined together in the singing of the national anthem. More than 30 wreaths were placed at the monument. Councillor François Landry placed the wreath on behalf of North Stormont. Following the service, attendees were invited back to the Finch Legion for refreshments.

At the Morewood Cenotaph, École élémentaire Ste-Thérèse D’Avila (Marionville)’s Principal Suzanne Charron-Houle with student Jeremy Walsh reading In Flanders Field in English; student Luka Drouin-Gerts read the French version. Carruthers photo

AVONMORE and NEWINGTON – The two communities recognized the members of the Armed Forces, who served and still serve, at back-to-back ceremonies at their respective Cenotaphs, with Rev. Lois Gaudet in attendance.