Large crowds gather for Norfolk’s Remembrance Day ceremonies

Veterans, family members and officials were among the large crowd flanking the Norfolk Carillon Tower War Memorial on Saturday to mark Remembrance Day.

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The annual ceremony in Simcoe, along with others in communities across Norfolk, unfolded on a cool but sunny morning, to honor those who served and continue to serve in Canada’s Armed Forces at a time when wars rage in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip with no peace in sight.

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The armistice that ended the fighting of the First World War was proclaimed 11 am Nov. 11, 1918. That time and date have been marked at cenotaphs across Canada and around the world since then.

“We recall those who served in places far from here and those who served at home,” said Rev. Bryan Robertson, president of the Simcoe Legion, while leading a prayer. “We pray today for those like them who are continuing to serve Canada at home and abroad.

“Today, at this cenotaph, we honor those who have made the supreme sacrifice in all conflicts. They served their country, leaving their families and friends, with some to return in flag-draped coffins. They gave of themselves, in whole and in part, so that we and all the people might live without fear in peace and harmony.

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“We pray for the people suffering suffering and death in all current conflicts. We pray for peace in the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow. We pray for those with power over war or peace for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.”

Before the service, Richard Morrow of Simcoe scanned a plaque affixed to the historic Carillon Tower listing the names of Norfolk County residents who died in the First and Second World Wars, and other conflicts.

“There it is,” he said as he spotted the name of his grandfather, Pte. Lorance T. Morrow, who died, age 23, at Vimy Ridge on April 8, 1917, leaving behind a wife and two sons, one of them Richard’s father who was just two years old.

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“I’m very, very proud of him,” said an emotional Morrow. “I’m also proud of my grandmother who raised two boys on her own, right here in Simcoe.”

Veteran John Ridley, who served in the British Army from 1957 to 1960 during the Cold War as a mechanic for tanks and armored cars, immigrated to Canada in 1965.

“I think of all the soldiers who passed during the war years,” said Ridley on Saturday.

He called the current conflicts in the Ukraine and Gaza “very frightening.”

“The situation is very dire, I’m afraid,” said Ridley. “It could spread so rapidly.”

Craig Marvin returned to his “old stomping grounds” for the service. He was just 17 years old and recruited from Simcoe when he began a 27-year career in the military, including a tour of Bosnia in 1988.

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“For military people, today is a little more personal,” said Marvin. “I lost a lot of friends over the years. It’s not an easy thing to discuss.”

Silver Cross Mother Judy Klages placed a wreath in front of the carillon tower on behalf of all Silver Cross Mothers. Klages’s son, Petty Officer 2nd Class Douglas Craig Blake, was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 3, 2010. A plaque is affixed to the war memorial in his honor.

Also laying wreaths were representatives from all levels of government, the Simcoe Legion and other local organizations.

Before the start of the Simcoe ceremony, the crowd watched a dramatic flypast of a Lancaster bomber, followed shortly thereafter by the entry of the Legion color party leading a large parade of veterans, cadets, police officers and dignitaries.

Ceremonies were held at cenotaphs across Norfolk, including those in Waterford, Port Dover, Port Rowan, St. Williams and Delhi.

After the Port Dover service, Royal Canadian Legion Hugh Allan Branch 158 was packed with people enjoying fellowship and food – some 20 different types of soup, sandwiches and other fare prepared by the ladies auxiliary.

Ken MacKay, the Port Dover Legion’s Sgt. At Arms, was buoyed by the day’s large turnout.

“It’s a small way of showing honor and respect for those who served and those who lost their lives.”

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