403 Honour Flight on Remembrance Day. Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)403 Honour Flight on Remembrance Day. Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Sarnia

Sarnia honours veterans in scaled back Remembrance Day service (GALLERY)

Local veterans and dignitaries gathered at the Sarnia Legion Cenotaph at the 11th hour Wednesday morning, and dozens more lined Front Street to pay their respects.

Construction at the new Tricar high-rise across the street was halted as workers paused to reflect.

The annual Remembrance Day service was moved to the Front Street Legion because of pandemic restrictions and the procession to Veteran's Park was cancelled.

Deacon Chuck Stevens delivered the November 11 address.

"This year of course marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and while its predecessor was unlike anything the world had ever seen, this particular war involved death and destruction on an even wider, greater scale," said Stevens. "We pause to call to mind those who gave their lives, and left a legacy of freedom, justice and peace for future generations."

Stevens told the crowd that this is unlike any other Remembrance Day.

"The pandemic we face as a worldwide community has caused us to rethink everything we do and reorganize many activities that we have taken for granted in the past, yet we gather," he said. "Some here in this place in limited numbers, others at home viewing this ceremony on the internet or on cable television or listening to it on the radio."

The first wreath was laid by Memorial Cross Mother Pat Poland whose son Brent was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.

403 Honour Flight Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger) 403 Honour Flight Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)

The 403 Honour Flight, an eight plane formation, flew over the Sarnia Legion, Brigden and Dresden as a show of respect and thanks to veterans and their families.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 216 in Petrolia also held a private invite only service at Victoria Park Wednesday.

Veteran wreaths and those from businesses, service groups and schools were laid at the Cenotaph last Sunday.

403 Honour Flight over Sarnia Legion Nov 11, 2020. 403 Honour Flight over Sarnia Legion Nov 11, 2020.

Memorial Cross Mother Pat Poland lays wreath at Sarnia Legion Nov 11, 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Sue Storr)Memorial Cross Mother Pat Poland lays wreath at Sarnia Legion Nov 11, 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Sue Storr)

Wreaths laid at the Sarnia Legion during a Remembrance Day service in Sarnia. 11 November 2020. (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Sue Storr)Wreaths laid at the Sarnia Legion during a Remembrance Day service in Sarnia. 11 November 2020. (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Sue Storr)

A Remembrance Day service in Sarnia. 11 November 2020. (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Sue Storr)A Remembrance Day service in Sarnia. 11 November 2020. (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Sue Storr)

403 Honour Flight Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)403 Honour Flight Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)

403 Honour Flight on Remembrance Day. Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)403 Honour Flight on Remembrance Day. Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)

403 Honour Flight on Remembrance Day. Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)403 Honour Flight on Remembrance Day. Nov. 11, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)

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