Gananoque, On
Tomorrow, the sound of silence should be heard all around Canada and of course, here in Gananoque too!
Gananoque's ceremonies will be held at the Cenotaph, in front of The Town Hall, starting at 11 am. Refreshments and entertainment will be available at Legion afterwards.
I am quite impressed that 80% of Canadians say they will observe two minutes of silence at 11 am and 30% will attend a Remembrance Day ceremony tomorrow.
“Canadians are making clear their awareness and appreciation of the service and sacrifices our veterans have made and continue to make on behalf of our country.”
so says the Historica-Dominion Institute, Canada’s largest independent historical society. Their research reveals 27% of Canadians say they personally know someone who served in Afghanistan.
I would say that number is by far greater in our area due to CFB Kingston just being a few minutes down the road.
Another reason would be that Gananoque lost one of our native sons, Randy Payne, in the war in Afghanistan in 2006. You'll see below, his name was added long after it was believed we'd see no more war, no more loss of life after the Korean War.
It was such a sad, but proud community that lined the street in front of my home, as his procession made its way to and from the Grace United Church at the corner.
The Legion Honour Guard was something to be proud of on that day, and always!
Dave Gordon, executive-director of the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command, says
"When we stop as a nation to remember then we also honour those who are left to mourn the dead. It shows we are together as a sharing community no matter what our background or race or creed. We are Canadians.”
The 2 minute silence on Remembrance Day is a tradition that dates back to the First World War, the bond of shared suffering but 85% of Canadians feel that Remembrance Day should be a statutory holiday across Canada.
“The simple fact that Remembrance Day has lived as long as it has around the world should be applauded. Maybe one day there will be an end to all wars and suffering caused by them. That would be the greatest triumph of all”
If you can't attend a service in your area, please make a point of observing the 2 minutes of silence tomorrow.
UPDATE: after the service this morning >>>
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
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