The wind blew cold across the East Ferris Memorial Cenotaph where veterans gathered with those still serving, community partners and school children for a Remembrance Day Ceremony.
The veterans stood at attention with their medals proudly displayed, shining in the morning light.
Older now, some using a cane or walker for added support, they walked with their heads held high, holding tightly to their wreath that would be added to others placed at the base of the granite monument as part of the wreath laying ceremony.
Each step forward a reminder of those they served alongside and the sacrifices that were made.
Bob Irving was a leading seaman, engine room mechanic when he retired from the Royal Canadian Navy.
He joined other veterans who braved the freezing weather to attend the ceremony held in Corbeil.
“I served on board the HMCS Magnificent, a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier. And on the HMCS Huron I spent 13 months on her in Korea, and on the largest ship the HMCS Porte St. Louis,” said Irving.
“I’m proud to be a member of the Naval Association of Canada. I’m proud to have been in the service.”
Prior to the marching in of the piper and colour party, some of the students from ecole St. Thomas D’Aquin and Ferris Glen Public School wandered over to speak with some of the veterans.
A gesture that was greatly appreciated.
At one point in the ceremony, two students read aloud the war poem In Flanders Fields.
“Seeing all these young people here is touching,” said Irving.
“I think they’re becoming more educated about what Remembrance Day is all about. And I think it is about time.”
Grade 5/6 teacher Ashley Oszytko from Ferris Glen elementary school spent the past week preparing her 30 students for the ceremony.
“As the older students of our school, we were in charge of helping run the ceremony at the school. Two of my students were the emcee’s so they have been practicing all week reading poems, doing some research on soldiers and peace missions,” explained Oszytko.
“We also have a lot of parents who are in the service. So, we had some personal stories. We had a student bring in one of his dad’s medals. So, lots of conversations.”
Conversations which also centered around the meaning behind the poppy.
“I hope by attending the ceremony, students will leave with a better understanding that we have the freedom’s we have because of the sacrifices made. We talked about how we’re very lucky to have the school we have and to have an education. So, understanding that the privileges we have comes from somebody who has made a sacrifice is important.”
Sil, who is one of her young students, expressed her appreciation for those who have served and who continue to serve.
“I learned that a lot of soldiers fought in the war to protect our country and keep us safe so we can live freely.”
Even at a young age, standing in the cold for just the hour, she made the connection that many Canadians fought in extremely harsh conditions.
“I think like today how some of us didn’t wear snow pants and our legs are cold. I think the soldier’s who fought in the war must have been freezing.”
Her classmate Grant has a better understanding of the importance of Remembrance Day.
“I learned we should respect all the people who fought for us. It meant a lot to see the veterans here, to respect them and thank them for their service.”
His friend and fellow classmate Alex expressed interest in one day serving his country.
“I like the army. It is what I want to do when I get older. They go through a lot in training,” said Alex.
“It takes a very courageous person to go into war with guns firing over their shoulder, but I want to serve my country. If people didn’t protect our country I might not be here right now. We wouldn’t have this freedom.”
East Ferris Mayor Pauline Rochefort told those gathered that it is the responsibility of everyone to "remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war, conflict and peace.”
“We stand here in the cold, but in peace and safety. We pay respect to all the fallen, all of the wounded and all who served in conflict. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Rochefort.
“We acknowledge today the immense bravery of our veterans, especially those who are here with us today, and I encourage you to shake their hands. And we salute those who continue to serve our country. We recognize residents who are here today who currently have family; loved ones, children and spouses who are in active combat at this moment. They live with ongoing uncertainty and concern for their family, and that can’t be easy.”
Many of the interlocking stones which form the cenotaph’s courtyard and pathway bare the names of family members from the area who went off to defend this country, some never to return.
