Remembrance Day ceremonies were held on Sunday, November 8 in Vankleek Hill and L’Orignal.
Veterans, Army Cadets, and Royal Canadian Legion members participated in the ceremonies, which were organized by Legion Branch 472 in Hawkesbury. Many citizens also attended the ceremonies to show respect for veterans past and present who have served Canada, including those who sacrificed their lives while doing so.
During the afternoon ceremony at the cenotaph in Town Square Park in Vankleek Hill, prayers were said by Rev. Felix Longdon of St. John the Apostle Anglican Church and Abbé Yvelt Célestin Mondor of Paroisse St-Grégoire in Vankleek Hill. Councillor Gerry Miner delivered remarks on behalf of Champlain Township, and Mayor-Elect Corina Parisien placed a wreath.
The ceremony in L’Orignal took place in the morning at the cenotaph by the entrance to the park. Prescott-Russell-Cumberland Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli placed a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada. Mingarelli recognized the service, sacrifice, courage, and devotion shown by members of the armed forces in the past, and among those who are currently deployed.
Mingarelli referred to a meeting she recently attended with a local youth council and a conversation about Remembrance Day which took place.
“We cannot take for granted the peace that we defend today,” she said.
Mingarelli also honoured the victims of the tragic fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. Four Canadian Army soldiers died as a result of the October 17 incident and 39 were injured.
Vankleek Hill ceremony photos: James Morgan
L’Orignal ceremony photos: Gabriel Landriault
