Forward march
The Russell Remembrance Day opened with their annual parade that started at the Royal Canadian Legion Russell Branch, marching through downtown Main Street. Glover photo

The 5 Cyclone Cadets showed their professionalism and respect during both the Embrun and Russell ceremonies; one cadet is shown here playing “Last Post.” Glover photo

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP – The Township of Russell is always ready to commemorate those who fought so valiantly from years past to the present, for the freedom we all benefit from today.

The Russell Remembrance Day ceremony started with their annual parade that marched through Main Street, with members of the OPP, RCMP and the 5 Cyclone Cadets. After the parade, members, groups and businesses of the community laid down wreaths in memory of those who had fallen during combat.

The Embrun Remembrance Day ceremony was met with a surprise barrage of snowfall that soon evolved into a full-on storm; however, that did not alter the program as the ceremony continued forward. During the ceremony, recently re-elected Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MP Francis Drouin was present to say a few words.

Recently re-elected Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MP Francis Drouin laid down a wreath during the Embrun ceremony on behalf of the federal government. Glover photo

“Today, we not only remember the 118,000 Canadians who lost their lives to fight for their country,” he said; “we also say thank you to the 2.3 million men and women who served their country since the First World War.”

After the completion of each ceremony, the public was invited into the Russell Legion and the Embrun Municipal Building respectively, for a warm drink and free lunch.