Hundreds of Prince Edward County residents took time out of their weekend to take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies in Picton, Wellington and Consecon.

Padre Brian Nicholson and Legion Branch 78’s Diane Kennedy and Tom McCaw at the Picton Remembrance Day ceremonies. (Chris Fanning/ Gazette Staff)

Local legion branches in each community organized and conducted solemn wreath laying ceremonies, offered moments of silence for Canada’s war dead and those who served in conflicts here at home and around the world.

WWII Royal Canadian Navy veteran Joe Reid with his service photo in the background. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

At the Picton Cenotaph, Padre Brian Nicholson read Joshua Dyer’s “One Thousand Men are Walking”

these men live on forever
in the hearts of those they saved
a nation truly grateful
for the path of peace they paved

Master of ceremonies and President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 Diane Kennedy observed “for over 100 years we have donned our poppies and observed two minutes of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and for those who have fought for us, our country, let us continue to honour these important traditions and never take for granted the sacrifices the service members and their families have made for our freedom. We will ever be in their debt. We will never forget you.”

Retired Col. John Inrig honoured the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment by laying a memorial wreath.

Over 200 observers joined active and retired Canadian service men and women at Consecon Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremonies. Service members included a good number from 8 Wing CFB Trenton who were led by the 509 Branch colour guard. A piper played O Canada and God Save the King while a trumpeter performed Taps and Reveille. Memorial wreaths were laid on behalf of various branches of government, veteran’s associations and local services groups.

Perhaps the most sentimental  moment of the proceedings occurred when Joe Reid at 103 years old was joined by his son Rick in laying a memorial wreath honouring his fellow World War II combatants and service men and women. Mr. Reid enlisted with the Royal Canadian Navy in Kingston in 1941 and fought in the Battle of the Atlantic, serving as a Master Stoker aboard a number of destroyers and frigates. He also received submarine training.