The weather fit the morning in many ways.
On a cool, grey and overcast yet dry start to Nov. 11, about 150 people gathered outside Innisfil Town Hall to mark Remembrance Day and contemplate the past, while also looking with a sense of hope toward the future.
Among those in attendance were local dignitaries, town staff, and residents ranging in age from children to seniors. Many wore poppies, sang O Canada and God Save the King, stood quietly for The Last Post and dropped their heads in reflection for two minutes of silence.
“We’re all here to reflect on sacrifices made by those who bravely served in the Canadian Armed Forces,” Mayor Lynn Dollin said. “This is such an important day to remember those who lost their lives defending our freedom and are still actively serving to uphold it. Whether they served with Canada or around the globe, their commitment to duty is something we should all be grateful for. We’re able to be here today because of them. We can never forget that, or take for granted their selfless acts of bravery, courage and resilience in the face of much adversity.”
Rev. Krista Moore, of Gilford and Churchill United churches, said the police and firefighters who “put their lives at risk every day to protect us and keep us safe" should also be recognized.
“We’re gathered here today to honour the sacrifices of those who lived and served and died, and continue to serve, so that we might have freedom,” she said.
Dollin also contemplated aloud what it means to have peace, noting it goes beyond the absence of war and must include as essentials love, good health for children and adults, clean water, sufficient food, education, human rights, dignity, clothing and housing.
“Remembrance Day is a time to mourn losses, and to look to a future where we can all live harmoniously and in peace,” she said. “We can never fully repay the debt to those who gave their lives for ours. What we can do is pause, stand united together and remember them and offer our sincere appreciation to the brave men and women still serving. Never, ever forget.”
