Gratitude and thanks to all those who served

Brenda Moser

Advocate Correspondent

What is a Veteran?

Gene Castagnetti has described Veterans, whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve, as someone who, at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to their country ‘for an amount, up to and including their life.’

It seems that no matter the weather there is always a good turnout for the Waterford Legion Remembrance Day Services and wreath laying and this year was no exception. The long-standing service has been held since 1928 and is approaching 100 years in 2028.

As local school children lined one side of Main Street and those wishing to pay their respects to our Veterans gathered around the cenotaph, the pipes and colour party marched in. Wreaths were lined up for those who were laying them and the crowd settled in for the service… in spite of the cold.

As always, the first wreath to be laid in Waterford was on behalf of Silver Cross Mothers and those honours went to Linda Vidler, Mother of Warrant Officer Lee Ann Vidler. She and her husband Mike have supported their daughter for several years now. She has definitely made the services her career having joined the reserve in 1966 while still in high school when she joined 69th Battery, 56th Field Artillery Regiment, Simcoe. This is the same unit her father Mike and his brothers joined.

Vidler has done two tours in Afghanistan, with a tour being six months, two tours in Kuwait, seven months in the Arabian Sea and four years for NATO in Sicily. She is now serving at the Canadian Forces Base Bagotville in Saguenay, QC. Thank you, Lee Ann, for your service and dedication as you continue to serve.

The second wreath laid was placed by Kim Huffman, Norfolk Councillor of Ward 7, Waterford. Despite the chill in the air, the crowd remained silent as the remaining wreaths were laid and tributes paid. As the service was just winding down, we were graced with a fly-over by the Lancaster and the B-25 Bomber from Hamilton. What a sight to behold.

Those in attendance at the cenotaph were invited to make their way over to Waterford Legion Branch 123 for a luncheon and comradeship. About 150 people attended the event put on by the Legion Ladies. Legion President Ian Simpson, now in his sixth year as President, welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending both the service at the cenotaph and the luncheon. He then introduced Mark Lalonde, ex-service man and Ordinary Member of the Legion, to do the toast to the Waterford Veterans in attendance. Thank you all!

Those in attendance enjoyed a lovely lunch while catching up with friends and exchanging stories. As our Veterans grow older it is important that we continue with the Remembrance Day services for the younger generation. Our gratitude and thanks to all of those who served. LEST WE FORGET!