Hub Staff
The sun was shining down as hundreds of people including children from the Port Elgin schools attended the Port Elgin Remembrance Day service at the Port Elgin Cenotaph to pay their respects to Canadian Veterans and men and women in uniform.
Norma Dudgeon of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 340, Port Elgin led the service by welcoming all in attendance to the 2015 Remembrance Day service with the National Anthem, O Canada being sung by Erin Milley-Patey and Sierra Evans playing the Last Post before the traditional two minutes of silence as the clock reached 11am, the Lament and Rouse.
“Today we honour generations of brave Canadian men and women in uniform who have fought to defend our country and to protect the values of freedom, democracy and human rights,” said Dudgeon, adding “Our soldiers have always stood ready to defend our country and it is with great sadness that we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.”
She reminded those in attendance of John McCrae's famous poem, In Flanders Fields, which was written 100 years ago, back in 1915. “Fields full of blood red poppies. Poppies that we wear during remembrance week and as a symbol of honour and sacrifice,” she said. “It is important for all of us to remember, not only today but every day that our soldiers fought to preserve our way of life. They fought for our Canadian values, they fought for the freedom we enjoy today and often take for granted. To all of our veterans today, young and old alike we humbly say, 'thank you.' Your courage, sacrifice and service will never be forgotten. This is our pledge to you.”
Legion Chaplain, Reverend Chuck Beaton, led everyone in prayer before the placing of the official wreaths with the 340 Port Elgin Air Cadets escorting those placing the wreaths.
Reverend Beaton then gave the Benediction before people, young and old, joined Erin Millie-Patey in singing the Royal Anthem, God Save the Queen.
Norma Dudgeon gave thanks to all those involved and those who took the time to attend to keep the memory alive.
