Despite an early November cold snap large crowds lined the streets at the Picton cenotaph for Remembrance Day ceremonies Saturday morning.
Thoughtful pause – From left, veterans James Simpson, George Wright, and Ryan Aldred take time for reflection during Saturday’s ceremony. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)
Those lining the intersection at the corner of Main, Chapel, and Ferguson clapped in unison as a parade of veterans and active service personnel made their way from a morning church service at Picton United down the road to the gathering.
The hearty applause continued for any veterans called upon to place wreaths with perhaps the biggest ovation saved for Picton’s own Devil’s Brigade hero George Wright.
Tribute – Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Todd Smith lays a wreath on behalf of the Government of Ontario. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)
Padre Rev. Bill Kidnew and Rev. Rick Hamilton, of Picton United, led a prayer service at the memorial including readings of the Prayer of St. Francis and John MacCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields.”
Following The Last Post and Reveille, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 president Diane Kennedy presided as several individuals and community members placed wreaths. A parade of veterans and military personnel marched through the streets to the Elks Hall, where refreshments and fellowship was planned.
Cenotaph ceremonies also took place in Wellington and in Consecon Saturday.
-Staff
Respectful – Large crowds gathered in downtown Picton Saturday to mark Remembrance Day. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)
Sharing in prayer – Rev. Rick Hamilton leads a prayer as Rev. Bill Kidnew looks on. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)