Great weather no doubt accounted for the large turnout at the annual Remembrance Day service at the Emo cenotaph last Tuesday.
The Donald Young School choir, directed by Katherine Williams, led in the signing of “O Canada,” then the opening prayer was offered by Pastor Andrew Hall of Calvary Baptist Church.
Comrade William McCready read the names of the fallen comrades as members of the Fort Frances Sea Cadets #144 acted as honour guards at the cenotaph.
Bernice Campbell was the Silver Cross Mother, while five-year-old Claire Hyatt laid a wreath on behalf of her grandfather, Jim James, in honour of the Hong Kong vets.
Also laying wreaths at the Emo cenotaph last Tuesday were local MPP Howard Hampton (Province of Ontario), Comrade Jane Allan (Emo Legion Br. #99), Comrade Wallace Hughes (Veterans Affairs), Al MacDonald (OPP), and Lt. LaVigne (Sea Cadets).
Still others wreaths were laid by Amanda McQuaker (Township of Emo), April Simmons (Emo Toy Library Resource Centre), Tony Bliss (Emo-La Vallee Community Centre), Bill Sieders (Christian Reformed Church), Kathy Leek (Catholic Women’s League), and Christine Hartry (Emo Hospital Auxiliary).
Elaine Fraser (United Church), Andrew Hall (Calvary Baptist), and Ed Carlson (Emo Ambulance Service) rounded out those who laid wreaths during the ceremony.
The DYS choir, along with soloist Heather Williams, concluded the service by singing “God Save the Queen.”
Meanwhile, the service at the Barwick cenotaph, held at 11:45 a.m. last Tuesday, also received excellent support from the community.
As at the Stratton cenotaph, the Emo Legion’s Colour Party—comprised of Jacqui Hunsperger, Wellington Multon, Lucille MacDonald, and Sgt.-at-Arms Jerry Allan performed—marched in the colours to open the ceremony then then marched the off at the conclusion of the service.
A prayer of remembrance was given by Rev. Barbara Miller of Knox United Church.
“Eternal Creator, we remember the lives that were lost. . . . We remember the overwhelming heartache of loved ones lost.
“We remember that bombs also destroyed schools, factories, churches, and houses. We remember all the horrible things that happen in war and the devastation that fighting brings.
“We remember, and we are thankful, Holy God, that we live in a country that works for peace, in a country where we can feel safe, and we pray that one day everyone will be able to say the same thing.
“We remember all who gave their lives, so that their children and grandchildren could live in peace. We pray, with all our hearts, that all people on Earth will learn to live in harmony together, to share, that none will be hungry or homeless.
“To solve our problems by talking, not fighting, to respect all forms of life, and to use our knowledge to save life and not to destroy it.
“Help us to live in peace in our homes and in our communities as well as throughout the entire world. Help us, O God, to live in peace with justice and harmony for all. Amen.”
Silver Cross Mother Merveline Brown laid a wreath on behalf of all mothers while Comrade Wellington Multon read the names of the fallen.
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