CORNWALL, Ontario – The City of Cornwall held their traditional Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on Nov. 11.
Ceremonies began shortly before 11 a.m. with the marching in of the colours, followed by the playing of the last post, and a moment of silence.
Father Kevin Maloney of St. Frances de Sales Church shared a brief prayer in both French and English.
“On this day of Remembrance, let us also remember to pray for peace,” he said.
Cornwall Legion Branch 297 First Vice President Dona McNish reminded those gathered at the Cenotaph that this year marked the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
“It reminds everyone of the sacrifice our veterans made for our peace and freedom,” she said.
Cornwall Legion Branch 297 Poppy Campaign Chair Kerry Patterson then recited the poem In Flanders Fields written by Canadian Col. John MacRae, who served on the Western Front during World War I.
Wreaths were then laid by local dignitaries including Cornwall Mayor Glen Grant, MP Eric Duncan, MPP Jim McDonell and Senator Bernadette Clement. Local organizations and other veteran representatives such as Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations (CFSACO), the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Cornwall Legion Women’s Auxiliaries, Richard Vinet on behalf of Canadian Vietnam War Veterans, and others.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was no parade this year, and despite the restrictions, there was still a sizeable crowd of over 100 people who viewed the ceremony from the street outside of the grounds of the cenotaph.
