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It was a typical wet, cold day Friday morning for the Remembrance Day service at the Kincardine Legion. A bit of hail and wet snow added to the atmosphere, even as the sun tried to break through.

The service began inside the Legion Hall which was packed for Scripture readings and hymns to honour the men and women who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean Conflict and the several wars since. And their comrades who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Rev. Jim Weir, Legion padre, said Remembrance Day for some, is a time to remember the loss of relatives, friends, property and opportunities. For some, it's a time to remember family stories about war; for some, a time to remember great hardship, starvation, torture, misery and loss.

"We remember this day as the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the First World War ended," said Weir. "We also think of 9/11 in 2001 when a terrorist act destroyed the World Trade Centre in New York City. And this year, we mark 11/11/11/11."

He reminded the crowd that the Second World War ended 66 years ago. "The number of veterans and families who are still able to join us is decreasing. Now, veterans of other wars, including Afghanistan, have become Canada's great host of those who remember."

Weir said the Scripture passage from Joshua tells of the end of a story that began 40 years before when Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt. With Joshua as their new leader, they faced the Jordan River as the last obstacle before reaching the Promised Land.

"God told the priests to move ahead and the river calmed and parted and the people crossed on dry  land," said Weir. "To mark that day and that great event, Joshua had 12 men take stones from the exposed river bottom and build a monument.

"We have our own stones, our own monuments. We have erected them to remember our lost sons and daughters in all the wars and conflicts. It's a way for us to remember who we are and where we've come from."

He said Remembrance Day is part of our identity. "We need to support our veterans of the many wars, because they are the ones who moulded our national identity.

"Make a place in our lives for our veterans. Let us remember all who served and those who continue to serve."

At the end of the service, the people filed out to join an even larger crowd outside for the Cenotaph service which included the singing of "O Canada," playing of the "Last Post" by trumpeter Ron Neyvatte, "The Lament" by Jennifer Farrell of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, "Reveille" by Neyvatte, and the singing of "God Save the Queen."

Numerous wreaths were placed at the Cenotaph which was guarded by members of the Kincardine Air Cadets.

Kincardine Legion president Maureen Couture places the wreath on behalf of Branch 183, Kincardine

Tryntje Grey places a wreath in honour of the Dutch Resistance Fighters and in memory of Jan Koster (see below)

Tryntje Grey (L) with Jan Koster, a Dutch Resistance Fighter, who was an affiliate non-voting member of the Kincardine Legion. He died in August, 2011, at his home in Holland, at the age of 92. This photo was taken Nov. 12, 2003, on his last visit to Canada
photo courtesy of Tryntje Grey

Corporal Rod Hilton (L) and Master Corporal (retired) Tim Rowe present the wreath on behalf of Bruce Power
 

Larry Belanger (L), Marcel Labonte and David Meek of the Knights of Columbus present a wreath

A wreath is placed on behalf of all the children of the world

Flight Sergeant Mathew Martin of the Kincardine Air Cadets stands guard during the Remembrance Day service in the Legion Hall

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011