By Kelly Burgess, Bruce Peninsula Press
The beauty of a large crowd of people wearing their bright red poppies and honouring those who served and sacrificed their lives for their country overshadowed the blustery, dreary weather in Lion’s Head on November 11. People of all ages, including some young children, gathered at the Lion’s Head Cenotaph as Officiant Brian Reis, Chaplain of Branch #202 of the Royal Canadian Legion, led the service for Remembrance Day.
Branch President, Richard Smith memorialized those who served our country heroically and paid respects to veteran Ken Diebel who passed away on November 4, 2021 in his 97th year. Diebel, was the last WWII veteran of branch 202, had recently received his 75-year service pin. Ken put his heart and soul into volunteering and helping others with all of the work he did over the years with the Legion.
The beautiful wreaths, generously donated by people, businesses and organizations, were displayed at the Lion’s Head Cenotaph for the 10:50 a.m. service and at the Lindsay Township Cenotaph, also known as “Monument Corners” where they had a 9:30 a.m. service. It was at that earlier service where the winds were quite challenging for the flag holders. Wendy McConnell, Seargeant at Arms had to battle the wind at the earlier ceremony. “We didn’t use our flag carriers at Monument Corners due to high winds. We had to carry flags with both hands. It was hard to keep our balance,” she explained. “It was still a beautiful service despite the wind.”
Hopefully Next Year
Unfortunately, due to Public Heath Protocols, there was no parade again this year at the service and the students from Bruce Peninsula District School were not able to attend. The school did however have their own ceremony with students coming safely together to observe a moment of silence, lower the flag and sing O’ Canada. In speaking with some members of the Ladies Auxiliary, while they were disappointed not having the parade, they were grateful to have a meaningful gathering and hope that next year they will be marching again.
Although the school students could not attend, a group of preschool children from the Bruce Peninsula Family Centre watched quietly from the grass listening to the trumpet play our national anthem and “God Save the Queen”. They may not understand at that age the significance of Remembrance Day but being exposed to such a reverent and emotional ceremony is a wonderful part of learning.
You couldn’t help but feel a combination of respect and gratitude as Brain Reis read The Act of Remembrance, “They shall grow not old, as we who are left grown old; age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
