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Remembrance Day draws large, respectful crowd in CBS

By Craig Westcott

It may have been the good weather, it may have been the increasingly conflict tossed world helping people to better appreciate veterans and the dangers faced by Canada’s military people. Whatever the reason, this past Monday’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph outside the Town Hall in CBS drew the largest crowd in years.

A highlight of the event was the longest parade seen in many years. From the veterans who composed the Colour Party at the head of it, to the Scouts, Guides, and representatives of community groups running all the way back to its tail, three and four people abreast, the parade stretched all the way from Terminal Road to the Heritage Square complex as it made its way from Sobey’s parking lot to the cenotaph.

Retired Canadian Forces member Woody French, who emceed the proceedings, may have put his finger on the reason for the big turnout when he remarked that this year’s ceremony was extra special because of something that happened this past summer.

“This year, as everybody is aware, we do have an Unknown Soldier in Newfoundland and Labrador,” French pointed out. “To us as veterans, he’s not an unknown soldier. To us, we got the opportunity to bring a brother home. And today is going to be the first ceremony here in Conception Bay South since we brought home our fallen comrade to the St. John’s cenotaph.”

French noted that during the First World War, Newfoundland was a country unto itself.

“As a result of that, when the call went out to supply troops to fight in Europe, Newfoundland was called, and Newfoundland did its part,” he said. “So many of our young men are buried in graveyards in France. And well over 800 of them are in unknown graves. So, it is a momentous occasion for us here in our island province, one that we’re very, very proud of, and certainly one that we can commemorate today when we go through this service.”

In addition to the prayers offered by the Rev. Sam Butler, and the customary moment of silence, the service consisted of vocal performances by three choirs, the Coastal Sounds and Aurora adult choirs, and the CBS Youth Choir, which gave a moving rendition of the Ennis Sisters’ Sing Me Home, which was composed specifically for the repatriation of the Unknown Soldier this past summer. It also included the playing of the Last Post by bugler Brian Lee and the laying of wreaths by dozens of veterans and their families, politicians, members of local service groups, along with representatives of the Canadian Forces, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Some of the most moving moments were when Silver Cross Mother Audrey Mercer laid the first wreath, in memory of her son Master Warrant Officer Charlie Mercer, who served two tours in Afghanistan fighting terrorists, and later in the ceremony when Tom Ryan laid a wreath in member of his son, veteran Dean Ryan. Many people in the crowd were similarly affected by the sight of more recent veterans, who have served in wars, conflicts and dangerous peacekeeping missions from Afghanistan to Croatia to the Middle East, place wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph in memory of their fallen comrades.

The stillness of the crowd reminded French of the quietness he experienced at the five graveyards in France containing Newfoundland soldiers that he visited in France this past summer.

“It’s just amazing what happens,” French said. “And hopefully our service today will be just as amazing for everybody as well.”

In his prayers to the assembly, Rev. Butler offered thanks to all those who have laid down their loves for the sake of others.

“Let the memory of their devotion ever be an example to us, that we at last, being faithful unto death, may receive with them the crown of life,” said Butler. “Let us go forth into the world in peace and dedicated to your service, oh Lord. Let us hold fast to that which is good, render to no person evil, for evil’s (sake), strengthen the faint hearted, support the weak, help the needy and the afflicted, and honour all people… And may God’s blessing be upon each and every one of you and all those whom you love, this day and for ever more.”

Conception Bay South MHA Barry Petten was among those placing wreaths at the cenotaph on Remembrance Day.

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