THUNDER BAY – On Remembrance Day at 11AM we pause to remember those who have fought to defend our freedoms. From World War 1, World War 2, Korea, UN Peacekeeping Missions, and Afghanistan, Canadians have been on the frontlines.
This Remembrance Day, NetNewsledger.com and Shaw Cable Ten TV will be working together to bring you Remembrance Day Services in Thunder Bay from Fort William Gardens. The Live Broadcast over NNL will be followed on November 11th by a broadcast on Shaw Cable Ten at 2:00PM on Shaw Cable Ten in Thunder Bay.
Lest we forget!
Around the world, Remembrance Day is a time where we pause and reflect.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, from the battlefield penned these famous and lasting words:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
The broadcast of the 2012 Remembrance Day Service held at Fort William Gardens was before a large crowd of residents who came out to honour the role of the brave men and women who have fought for our freedoms and rights.
At Waverly Park, another large crowd came out to salute the veterans too.
At Fort William First Nation, a ceremony was also held honouring veterans who have fought and served.
Remembrance on the Mountain
Special to NNL by Lynda Henshell
Over 150 people made the trek up to the Cenotaph on Mt. McKay in order to honor Aboriginal soldiers who have fought and given up so much in many wars. Aboriginal peoples from all parts of Canada served in the armed forces during the Second World War, fighting in many major battle’s and conflicts. Their service did not end there, with Fort William First Nations people continuing to serve to this day. Local Fort William First Nation residents serve in both the Local Lakehead Superior Scottish Regiment, and the 18 Service Battalion Reserve Units as well as all across Canada.
The soldiers were honored with traditional drumming and song, a smudging ceremony, the Fort William First Nations Children’s choir, the traditional ‘Taps’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ were also played by a bugler and piper.
A revised rendition of ‘In Flander’s Fields’ was sung by Beatrice Twance-Hynes.
“Most lives of Aboriginal veterans are not recognized,” said Master of Ceremony, Cathy Banning. “A chance to honor Aboriginal veterans is near and dear to our hearts”.
A large number of people including Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy were called to lay wreaths in honor of the fallen and wounded. The ceremony was followed by a luncheon welcome to all attendees at the Fort William First Nation Community Center.
The Lakehead Superior Scottish Regiment, 18 Service Battalion and 2294 RoyalCanadian Army Cadet Corp participated – Photo by Lynda Henshell
