Manitouwadge Remembers
Branch 242 President Ron Sheppard lays the first wreath at the community cenotaph.
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Parade videography by Vickie Rusard for OntarioNewsNorth.com
MANITOUWADGE, ON – November 11th, students and staff of Manitouwadge High School, Manitouwadge Public School, Ecole Publique Franco-Manitou and Our Lady Of Lourdes School, residents of Manitouwadge, members of the Manitouwadge OPP Detachment and Manitouwadge Fire Deparment gathered outside KG’s Lounge to follow as the Colour Guard of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 242 led a procession which stopped at the community cenotaph where Legion President Ron Sheppard placed a wreath before the parade continued to the Recreation Centre where the annual wreath laying ceremony was planned.
Nearly 400 people crowded into the Recreation Centre auditorium where Legionnaire Lou Budgell spoke as Master of Ceremonies, introducing the first dignitaries who laid wreaths on behalf of the Township, OPP, Province and Fire Department before Legion President Ron Sheppard took the podium to read a letter received from the right honorable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, followed by a wreath laid on behalf of Harper. Two minutes of silence were then respected, including the familiar sounds of pre-recorded taps before remaining wreaths were laid, most by students from the 4 local schools, on behalf of local organizations, parishes and businesses.
Following the ceremony residents re-grouped at the Down Under Lounge while students went back to their respective schools, at each of these locations donuts and refreshments were enjoyed courtesy of Branch 242 of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Manitouwadge Public School students recite a Remembrance poem.
**Video coverage to be added throughout the weekend including laying of the wreaths, school performances and parade.
