Remembrance Day ceremony reminds us of the sacrifice made for our freedom
Community members gathered around local cenotaphs across the region on November 11 to honour those who have fought for our nation.
The ceremonies began at Unionville’s cenotaph with a Last Post performance on trumpet. This was followed by a recitation of Flanders Field from Unionville College students.
“Remember those whose service and sacrifice help shape the world in which we live. (The) act of remembrance today, honour those who have put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of others. Today, we remember the sailors, soldiers, aviators, and central forces operators, who have paid the ultimate price that we may live in freedom. We remember all who died in World War I, or World War II, or the Korean War, during UN peacekeeping missions, and those Canadians who recently died serving in Afghanistan in the 21st century,” said Capt. The Reverend Adam Hanley. Chaplain of the 32 Signal Regiment.
“We will not take their service for granted. Their experiences remind us that peace is precious. Freedom must never be taken for granted. And the consequences of conflict reach far beyond the battlefield. And their legacy inspire us to choose compassion. Compassion over indifference. Understanding over division and hope over despair.
This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, the organization that directly serves veterans, supports local communities, and distributes the poppies Canadians wear every year in all communities throughout the country, big and small.
“Canadians are gathered around cenotaphs in small towns and our largest cities. These monuments were often built in the aftermath of World War I. Many are seen as symbolic, empty tombs, directed to honour Canadians who died in service, but are buried overseas or have no known grave. Or the loved ones of those who lie in Flanders, or in the Netherlands, or in South Korea. Cenotaphs have become physical places for grieving and remembering. There are more than 27,000 Canadians, Canadian service members who remain missing from World War I, World War II, and the conflict in Korea. Some lie in graves of the unknown and Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries, and yet some are only remembered in stone, with their name etched in towering monuments,” said Reverend Adam Hanley.
“We are grateful today for those who continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. We honour our fellow Canadians who are currently serving overseas, particularly as we close on Operation Reassurance in Latvia and Operation Unifier in Europe. We yearn for all of them to be safely returned home to those who love and care for them… In honouring our fallen today, may we need fires to build a better tomorrow in peace and solidarity. May it be so, lest we forget.”
Residents concluded the ceremony by placing a poppy on one of the wreaths laid by local organizations and government representatives, including Markham Veterans Association, 32 Signal Regiment, Unionville Historical Society, Markham Unionville Rotary Club, York Regional Police, Markham Fire, Government of Canada, Government of Ontario and City of Markham.
Photos: Members of the public, local dignitaries, and service members gather at Unionville Main Street for the Remembrance Day ceremony. (Matthew Fletcher photos)