Hundreds of citizens of The Blue Mountains were out for Remembrance Day services in Thornbury and Ravenna.
The Cenotaph in Jack Acres Park in Thornbury drew a huge crowd to the early services in the morning. Hundreds of more people attended the afternoon ceremony in Ravenna.
For the most part, the rain held off and mild temperatures greeted those who gathered to honour Canadian veterans and all those who gave their lives in defence of the nation and to protect freedom.
“We remember those who have died, not for war, but for a world that could be free and at peace,” said Rev. Grayhame Boycott, who conducted both services in The Blue Mountains. “We remember their unselfish service. We respect them. We thank them. We honour them. We are proud of them. May they be at peace.”
Representatives of local service groups, government agencies, police, fire departments, paramedics, churches, schools and young children from Sarah’s Daycare participated in the laying of the wreaths at the Cenotaph and the monument in Ravenna. Beaver Valley Pipes and Drums led the parade at the Cenotaph and also provided music in Ravenna.
Debbie Knott read In Flanders Fields and Mary Hindle played the trumpet at both ceremonies. The Beaver Valley Concert Band provided music at the early ceremony in Thornbury.
After the ceremony at the Cenotaph, local children gave handmade cards to veterans in attendance at the event.
The Blue Mountains Mayor Andrea Matrosovs brought greetings on behalf of the town and council. The mayor said that in Canada’s history, 2.3 million Canadians have served and 118,000 have died in service to the country. She asked those in attendance to remember those who have served, but also those who are still serving overseas away from home today.
“We gather here together to commemorate the bravery of those who serve and those who continue to serve,” said Matrosovs. “They gave their lives and their futures so that we might live in peace.”
Sincoe-Grey MP Terry Dowdall attended the afternoon ceremony in Ravenna and said it was important to think of the families of those who are serving right now.
“Thank you so much for the support,” he said, of the families of military members. “It’s so important.”
