People gathered in front of the cenotaph on the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) property for the Winchester Remembrance Day ceremony on Sun., Nov. 10. Seen in the above photo are the Ottawa Police Service Pipes and Drums, who led the parade from the Winchester Legion to the Cenotaph at the WDMH. Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – A large crowd gathered in front of the cenotaph on the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) property for the Winchester Remembrance Day ceremony on Sun., Nov. 10.

A parade, led by the Ottawa Police Service Pipes and Drums marched from the Winchester Legion and formed-up around the civilians and military members who had already gathered. Included in the parade were a colour party, members of various branches of the military, members of the North Dundas Fire Department, scouts of various ages, and anyone who wanted to march.

The ceremony was led by Winchester Legion Branch 108 poppy fund chair Shawn Doolan and followed a traditional Remembrance Day order of service, opening with O Canada and Bugler Shaun Steele playing The Last Post and Reveille.

Ben Dean, a student at North Dundas District High School (NDDHS) read the Commitment to Remember.

Pastor Ed Charlton first provided a devotion and then led those in attendance in prayer.

A recorded reading of Flanders Fields by Leonard Cohen was then followed by A reply to Flanders Fields by NDDHS student Addie Simpson.

Shawn Doolan then took a moment to recognize the efforts of the staff and students at NDDHS, who had created 127 crosses, each bearing the name of someone from North Dundas who made the ultimate sacrifice and researched each person and prepared a biography of their life. “They got their school credits, and the community ended up with 127 crosses representing the fallen from North Dundas,” said Doolan. “Anybody who drives by the high school this year for next couple weeks will see them up there. You’re invited to go park in the parking lot. Take a wander through there. See their fantastic work. Read their reports. It really adds a story that these are our fallen. Those are people from North Dundas. And I couldn’t be prouder of our high school and the students who came out and did that work. The motivation was wonderful and was really touching. It’s when I got to talk to them, they would talk about my soldier, my guy.

“That means they’re remembering,” continued Doolan. “They found a reason to remember, and I couldn’t be more grateful as Poppy chair. So please see this work, when you see the students acknowledge them. This is really wonderful. The whole school got involved, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The laying of wreaths in front of the cenotaph then took place, with wreaths representing individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and the municipal, Provincial, and Federal government being placed.

Once the wreaths had been placed, as well as several poppies, Pastor Ed Charlton, read the benediction. This was followed by the Royal Anthem and an invitation for everyone to march back to the legion for a reception.

The holding of the ceremony on the Sunday prior to Remembrance Day has become a tradition. Additional services are held at other locations within the Township on Nov. 11.