It is Remembrance Day here in the Great White North: a day when very solemn observances are held to remember and honour and those who have died in wars. In Carleton Place, soldiers, veterans and even serving police officers will march the short distance from town hall to Veterans Memorial Park where the Cenotaph* is located. Many wreaths will be laid, and a deafening gun salute will sound.
We have attended these ceremonies more than once, but we stay home now, and this post becomes my observance. However, last week we did visit the new memorial crosswalk leading to the park and cenotaph.
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| Sue removes a leaf for a photo |
We took a few more pictures while we were there: most include the Cenotaph.
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| The Ontario and Canadian flags fly at the Cenotaph |
I love the maple leaves through the photos, AC. Lest we forget.
ReplyDeleteI heard a news story describing the difference between Memorial Day (sad day, remembering the dead) and Veterans (or in your world, Remembrance) Day, describing it as a happy time of celebrating veterans with parades and such. I don't agree with that. I think it should be a time of reflection on the service of those who went to war and served the countries, and while a parade can be a good thing, I find the Cenotaph or laying a wreath on the unknown soldier more somber and appropriate.
ReplyDeleteNo joy today, just thankfulness and respect.
DeleteBy the way, you are quite correct about 'parade.' This is a very solemn march.
DeleteLet there be peace on earth...those who fight against each other because politicians disagree are pawns in the system of warfare.
ReplyDeleteI have started out as I usually do, reflecting on my ancestors who served in various wars. I wish that WWII records were available for the many of my ancestors who served so I could honor them in some way online but alas, almost all those records were destroyed in a fire. Fortunately I have lots of WWI and Civil War records to refer too.
ReplyDeleteSue was able to obtain her father's military records, but they made her jump through hoops to get them.
DeleteMy daughter was part of the organization of the ceremony in London. I think the world should have more solemn remembrances such as these. My country lives in a time when our leader threatens to send in troops somewhere, whether it be inside the country or outside of it, almost weekly it seems. Cult members celebrate that as a show of strength, and trumpet 'we are respected once again'.
ReplyDeleteLest we never forget. AC, here, I can tell you that where I live, we have forgotten.
PS, thank you for definition of cenotaph. I meant to look that word up yesterday.
I like the pedestrian crossing as a permanent reminder, a part of daily life to those who use it.
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