Nearly 100 people turned out for the Lefroy–Belle Ewart Legion’s annual Remembrance Day service and Wreath-laying on Thursday.
South Simcoe Police provided an Honour Guard, as the Legion Colour Party and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces took their places at the Lefroy cenotaph.
There was no parade along Ewart Street this year, with the Innisfil Pipes and Drums leading the way. Instead, there were masks and social distancing as the crowd gathered for the outdoor service, led by Very Rev. Gregory Gilson of the parish of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Churchill and St. John’s in Cookstown.
Rev. Gilson reminded those present that they were there at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to “remember before God those who died for their country,” adding that they gave their lives “not for war but for a world that would be free and at peace.”
Bugler Brian Scriver, Ret. Captain with the Toronto Fire Service, played The Last Post as flags were lowered to half-staff, followed by a minute of silence, and playing of the Lament by Innisfil piper James Harvey.
Under grey skies, wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument, in memory of those who fell in wartime or who served, returned, but have since passed away.
“We pray that we may be worthy of their sacrifice,” said Rev. Gilson, asking those present to honour veterans and their loved ones, and “remember our solemn obligations,” to uphold freedom and peace.
A light luncheon followed, inside the Legion – with checks of the vaccine status and contact tracing information of all who entered.
