Warm remembrance

Violet Coghlan lays a wreath for her family members lost to conflict—Cyril, Eddie, Rogger and Jimmie.

An unusually warm November sun shone over the village of Wellington on Friday morning as residents, visitors, school children and dignitaries gathered at the Cenotaph gates that mark the entrance to the village’s majestic park. Remembrance ceremonies in Wellington began just before the 11^th hour with the march of the Colour Guard followed by representatives of various military forces that serve Canada at home and overseas. In their footsteps followed the Civilian Brigade, a column of residents standing in place of those veterans and others who are no longer with us or strong enough to march.

The mournful wail of the bagpipes preceded the marchers to the Cenotaph. There, prayers were offered to the fallen in wars and conflict over a past century. Robin Everhardus performed the Last Post on the trumpet as she has for more than a decade of Remembrance ceremonies in Wellington. Dozens of wreaths and decorative crosses were placed around the gate by individuals and businesses in memory of lost family members.

Once again choosing to honour Wellington with his presence, Captain Gaudette with 8 Wing Trenton participated in the service in Wellington.

MPP Todd Smith came to Wellington to commemorate Remembrance Day placing a wreath representing the Province of Ontario. Councillor Jim Dunlop did the same for the municipal government.

When the last wreath was set, children went back to class, some folks went back to work other headed over to the Legion to share a meal and some stories.