Remembrance Day ceremonies were held at cenotaphs in Vankleek Hill and L’Orignal on Sunday, November 9.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 472 presented both ceremonies to honour veterans past and present from each community who have served Canada in the armed forces during times of war and peace. Several veterans, currently serving members of the military, and army cadets participated in the ceremonies which were attended by many citizens.
“Today, we gather on Remembrance Day to honour the men and women who served,” said Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel at each ceremony.
Riopel said the service and sacrifice of veterans has helped to make Canada a symbol of freedom, compassion, and hope.
He noted that it has been 80 years since the end of World War Two and highlighted how many members of the Canadian Armed Forces have also served the country in a humanitarian capacity.
Riopel said it becomes the duty of the descendants of veterans to continue to remember and continue to work to build a kinder, fairer, peaceful world.
A representative from the office of Prescott-Russell-Cumberland Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli provided remarks on her behalf at both ceremonies.
At the ceremony in Vankleek Hill, the Rev. James Douglas of Knox Presbyterian Church and Father Gilles Marcil representing Église St-Grégoire each said prayers in honour of veterans.
Wreaths were placed at the cenotaph by governments, schools, community and religious organizations, and local businesses during the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Vankleek Hill and L’Orignal.
Vankleek Hill ceremony photos: James Morgan
L’Orignal ceremony photos: James Morgan
