It’s Remembrance Day here in Canada (Veterans Day south of the border). It’s a day when we are encouraged to remember the lessons of history and the thousands of men and women, both military and civilian, who lost their lives in wars against tyranny and fascism.
We live in a small town, but its citizens unite on this day, gathering for a ceremony at the cenotaph on Queen Street, and the placing of memorial wreaths.
The Weather Network had originally declared it would be a dark and rainy day. Instead, there were high clouds, some sunshine and substantial winds as people began to gather long before the official minute of silence at 11: a.m. – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Adults of all ages, children, infants and dogs stood in the chilly wind to pay their respects to those who have given up their lives so that ours may be better.
The parade of police, cadets, firefighters, and military personnel moved silently through the crowd, which stepped back to let them pass. It was a sombre procession, the quiet only interrupted by the occasional wail from an infant echoing off the walls of the surrounding buildings.
I recognized many people in the crowd that continued to swell as the actual ceremony began. Respect – for those who are gone and for those who came to pay their own respects and appreciation for the freedoms that we all enjoy.
Capturing Cherished Memories 