We will remember
Decorated members and veterans carried the flags for the Remembrance Day service and ceremony in Winchester on Nov. 4. The parade marched from the Legion to Winchester Public School before the wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in front of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital. The warm sun brought an air of hope to the day and hope for a brighter future. Sawyer Helmer photo
Janet Morris laid the wreath on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108 on Nov. 4 for the Winchester Remembrance Day ceremonies. Sawyer Helmer photo
Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Record Staff
WINCHESTER – A week before Remembrance Day, the Winchester Legion Branch 108 hosted their ceremonies on Nov. 4 at Winchester Public School followed by the laying of the wreaths at the Cenotaph in front of Winchester District Memorial Hospital.
Local police officers led the parade of veterans, current service members and their families from the Legion to the school while the Ottawa Police Pipe Band commanded the march.
During the service, readings were performed by Father John Wilcox from St. Clare’s Anglican Church and Rev. Bruce Kemp from Winchester Presbyterian Church. North Dundas District High School student Matthew Roach read In Flanders Field to the gathered crowd and later Janet Morris of the Winchester Legion led those gathered in the Act of Remembrance.
Before heading to the Cenotaph, Rev. Kemp addressed those in attendance. He spoke to the importance of remembering those that have laid down their lives in service of Canada. Rev. Kemp went on to explain that on Nov. 11, bells across Canada will be rung in communities to recognize 100 years since the 1918 Armistice. The bells will be rung 100 times and Rev. Kemp encouraged the audience to think of the bells as a symbol of hope for a future of peace.
Finally the wreaths were laid by a number of local organizations wishing to recognize the contributions of the many Canadians who fought in conflicts and continue to protect the nation to this day.
