Remembrance Day

Written by admin on 15 November 2009

A day to remember

by Karina Hunter

Wednesday, November 11^th Manitouwadge residents came out in record numbers to honour the men and women who have given their lives as well as those who continue to serve our country at home and abroad to protect the rights and freedoms we can sometimes take for granted.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 242 E. (Evan) Hill hosted the ceremonies which began as participants met outside of KG’s Bar and Lounge. Students and staff from École Publique Franco-Manitou, Manitouwadge High School, Manitouwadge Public School and Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary (OLOL) joined Superior North EMS, Council Members, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and members of the general public travelled up Mississauga Drive led by Legion President Ron Sheppard, the Legion Colour Guard and Constable Perry Jackson flag bearer for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Sheppard halted the group as he laid the Legion’s wreath at the where flags flew at half mast in honour of those who lost their lives. OPP Sergeant Gord Ewald directed traffic as the procession continued through the traffic circle marching up Manitou to arrive at the Recreation Centre where they re-grouped in the Auditorium.

In the auditorium, Sheppard and legionnaire Gary Sampson served as masters of ceremony. Sheppard spoke of the reasons for remembrance and read a letter from the Prime Minister before proceeding to lay the first official wreath, which was followed by two others carried and laid by Sergeant Gord Ewald and Mayor John MacEchearn. Legionnaire Gary Sampson then addressed those gathered, introducing Pastor Gary Burt who shared a prayer with the assembly prior to the traditional two minutes of silence. Sampson then introduced a group of children from Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary who performed a wonderful and solemn recitation of John McCrae’s poem, ‘In Flander’s Fields’ which was whole heartedly applauded by the assembly. The ceremony was wrapped up with Sampson announcing the donors of wreaths presented, with the assistance of legionnaire Lou Budgell, by children from each of the elementary schools on
behalf of their schools, local groups, organizations and businesses; the last wreath to be laid drew special attention as it was presented by a 4 year old home schooler who had made it herself.

Official ceremonies ended with Sheppard invited everyone to reassemble outside where they were led back to KG’s to enjoy snack’s and refreshments.

Submitted to The Echo, 11.14.09

: Cenotaph flags fly at half-mast in honour of fallen soldiers.

: It was moving to watch as Ron Sheppard, Legion President, leading the Colour Guard as 300+ residents rounded the corner of the traffic circle.

: Mayor MacEachern lays a wreath on behalf of the Township of Manitouwadge.

: Students from OLOL recite John McCrae’s poem “In Flander’s Fields”.

: Wreaths are presented by school children on behalf of groups and organizations in a very crowded Rec Centre auditorium.

: A wreath is presented on behalf of Ecole Publique Franco-Manitou.

: 4 year old homeschooler, Emeraude Charron proudly lays her homemade wreath.

: The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 242 Colour Guard accompanied by Constable Perry Jackson (far left).

: Emeraude poses proudly next to her wreath as people take photos.

: 300 plus manitouwadge residents are led back through town to KG’s where they enjoyed snacks and refreshments.

: Back at KG’s everyone enjoys snacks and refreshments.

These are just some of the day’s photos, to purchase a Photo CD of Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Manitouwadge for just $15 (approx.60 photos, including individual wreath carriers, close ups of flag bearers, parade route photos and more) email HunterPhotography@shaw.ca with PHOTO CD in subject line.