Colonel John Inrig who served in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment and Dennis Margueratt of the 415 RCAF Wing Association salute the Hasty P’s wreath at the 2024 Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Picton. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)
Over 200 local residents were at the Cenotaph in Picton Monday at 11 a.m. to remember those who served their country across two world wars and multiple other armed conflicts, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.
In blustery and drab conditions, active and retired service members, members of provincial, federal and municipal government, owners of local businesses, service club representatives, members of the public and PECI students attended a solemn ceremony of music, a minute of silence, prayers, and poems.
Similar ceremonies were held in Wellington and Consecon.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 President Diane Kennedy thanked those who came for taking time out of their day to remember the brave Canadians who have made unimaginable sacrifices, leaving their families, homes and dreams to protect the values that make our country what it is today.
“Their courage and selflessness allow us and generations yet to come to live in peace,” she said, adding that over 120,000 Canadians have lost their lives in armed conflicts around the globe.
“Today, we honour their memory and legacy at the Cenotaph here and at memorials across Canada and around the world.”
In addition to the Legion Colour Guard, members of the 8 Mission Support Squadron mustered on Main Street while sentries from the 851 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets stood posts around the cenotaph. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Bugler Kevin Gannon played the Last Post and Rouse.
A piper played Amazing Grace and Lament. During a difficulty with the Royal Anthem recording, those in attendance offered an impromptu God Save the King.
Picton Councillor Phil St-Jean brought greetings from the County of Prince Edward. He also laid a wreath in honour of his late father, Roger St-Jean, who served as a Canadian Peacekeeper.
The councillor remarked on the strong presence in Picton to remember and honour those who served across two world wars, and wars in Korea, Afghanistan and other places around the globe in the last 100 years. He also remarked Canada’s many peacekeeping missions.
“Anyone who lives in a modern democracy owes our military service members and their families respect and thanks for those sacrifices,” he said.
Observing today’s political turmoil and violent rhetoric, Councillor St-Jean remembered when Europe was under siege by fascists and the Pacific under the boot of imperialists.
“Our parents and grandparents had to make daily sacrifices and, unfortunately, some made them eternally so that our generations and the ones that follow could live in peace and enjoy the freedoms we have today,” he said.
Among those in the crowd were native Aussie Greg Clarke and his daughter Marisel.
Mr. Clarke retired from the Australian Defence Force after deploying with the Australian Army to Afghanistan and later the Solomon Islands.
He came to Canada for contract work, but said with a smile he proudly drank his first cup of Tim Horton’s Coffee in Kandahar while stationed there with some Canadian Forces friends.
“I love being able to bring Marisel to this Remembrance Day ceremony in support of all those who served our Commonwealth,” he said.
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