Community honours veterans on Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day was commemorated in Markham on November 9 at the Cenotaph. Community members shared their family histories and personal connections to the event.

Craig McOuat and Wayne Lord, representing the Markham Union Masonic Lodge No. 87, were among those in attendance. McOuat noted that the Markham Masons have marched in the parade for decades. Lord added that they want to support Canadian traditions, highlighting the day’s significance to the community.

Lord’s relatives served in World War II with the British Army. His father fought for the Royal Air Force, and his uncle for the Royal Navy. His great-grandfather was in World War I and was tragically exposed to German “mustard gas.” Lord said, “It affected him for the rest of his life.”

McOuat shared his family’s legacy of military service in the Canadian Armed Forces, with relatives who fought in both World Wars. His great-grandfather, Joseph Holland, signed up for the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I at age 43, alongside his sons-in-law. His grandfather survived being shot at the Battle of the Somme, while one son-in-law was killed at Canal du Nord in 1918. Three of McOuat’s uncles served in World War II, participating in historic battles such as Dieppe, D-Day, and the Battle of the Atlantic.

Don Breau, another community member, spoke about his own family’s military background, noting that Remembrance Day serves as an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed. His father served in World War II in Gagetown, New Brunswick, and his father-in-law fought “in the trenches” in France. Breau appreciated seeing young cadets involved in the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of passing on this legacy.

Jim Meecham, a longtime MDVA member, volunteered to shuttle veterans who were unable to walk during the ceremony. He said that his stepfather was in the British Army and that Remembrance Day was always emotional for him.

Everyone in the parade, from the York Regional Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Markham Scouts to Cadet Squadrons and Corps, marched down Main Street and assembled at the Cenotaph in front of Markham Village Library. The public stood for the National Anthem. After opening remarks by the Master of Ceremony Captain Stu Kellock and a reading of “Canada Remembers” by MDVA President Michele Chalmers, MDVA Padre Reverand Peter Ma led everyone in prayer. This was followed by the playing of the “Last Post,” two minutes of silence and the playing of Lament by York Regional Police Pipes and Drum Band. “Reveille” was played, followed by the Act of Remembrance and recitation of “In Flander’s Fields” by Jasmine Lau.

Among the many who laid wreaths were Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Alan Ho and ward councillors including Karen Rea, Andrew Keyes, and Reid McAlpine. The playing of “God Save the King” marked the concluding stages of the Remembrance Day ceremony.

Photo: Craig McOuat and Wayne Lord represented the Markham Union Masonic Lodge No. 87 at the 2024 Remembrance Day ceremony.

*Story and photo submitted by Andrew Fuyarchuk.