A Nov. 11 snowfall didn’t deter large crowds from attending Remembrance Day ceremonies in Thornbury and Ravenna.
Local residents in The Blue Mountains were out in full force for both services to pay their respects to Canadian veterans and active service personnel.
Attendees at the service in Thornbury were treated to a thin blanket of snow on the ground and snowflakes steadily fell throughout the ceremony. In Ravenna, the early morning snowfall melted by the time of the ceremony.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 281 President Joe MacDonald was thrilled with the crowds at the two events.
“I’ve been a (legion) member for 35 years and this is the best we’ve ever had,” he said. “Let’s hope that continues.”
Rev. Grayhame Boycott conducted both services in The Blue Mountains. He said Remembrance Day is about remembering and recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans to protect freedom and our way of life.
“They died not for war, they died for a world that would be free and at peace,” he said. “We respect them, we thank them, we honour them. May they be at peace”
The Blue Mountains Mayor Andrea Matrosovs spoke at both ceremonies and thanked the community for coming together over the past week to honour the sacrifices made by veterans. Matrsovos said she attended events at Errinrung nursing home and Beaver Valley Community School.
“We are gathering here to remember, to learn more and to remember those who have served and continue to serve,” she said.
The ceremonies included music by the Beaver Valley Concert Band, Mary Hindle on the trumpet and the Beaver Valley Pipes and Drums led the parades for each service.
