Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year. Nov 11, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year. Nov 11, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)
Chatham

Snowy 2019 Remembrance Day in CK

Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year.

About 1,000 people attended the service at the downtown Chatham Cenotaph while about 500 participated at the John Bradley Convention Centre ceremony.

The John Bradley Convention Centre service was attended by just three Second World War veterans as each year sees fewer and fewer of them attending services.

A local cadet leader feels she is carrying the Remembrance Day torch for the younger generation as fewer young people are also attending ceremonies every year.

Master Warrant Officer Marguerite Jones of the Essex Kent Scottish Regiment Army Cadet Corps #59 blames a lack of education for the low number of youth at the services.

"It's kind of upsetting that the younger people don't come out and I wish they would come out a lot more than they do," said Jones.

Chair of the Chatham Cenotaph ceremony for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642, Tom Mountain, said he's surprised with the good attendance despite the cold, snowy weather.

"Excellent turnout and with the cold weather it's difficult trying to play pipes and bugles and they did quite a good job and I was impressed with them," Mountain said.

Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year. Nov 11, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year. Nov 11, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)

Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year. Nov 11, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year. Nov 11, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)

Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year. Nov 11, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)Chatham-Kent celebrated Remembrance Day on a very snowy Monday this year. Nov 11, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)

Jones is glad that people still show up to pay tribute to the veterans and what they did to maintain our way of life.

"I know there are people at the cenotaph downtown and here that are participating and honouring those who have fought for us and given their lives so that we can live in freedom," Jones said.

Mountain said many people in Chatham-Kent still honour the veterans by wearing a poppy despite inflammatory comments from Don Cherry on Saturday night. The Coach's Corner host said fewer people, specifically new Canadians, in the Toronto area are wearing them.

"He was commenting about Toronto specifically I think. In Chatham I think we do fairly well here," said Mountain.

Jones said it's an honour to be the parade commander at this year's service and show the respect the veterans so richly deserve.

"Being able to be such a big part of the ceremony is an honour because I get to represent [by] being able to be here and show my respect for those veterans and whatnot," Jones added.

Mountain said the cold weather this year is a small price to pay compared to what the veterans sacrificed.

"We have had days when it 15 above... lovely," added Mountain.

Dozens of wreaths were laid to officially salute the sacrifice our veterans made and to mourn the ones who lost their lives fighting for our freedom.

- With files from Allanah Wills

 

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