Remembrance at the Norfolk War Memorial

Afghanistan veteran Derek Bristol of Port Dover, who served in a multi-national NATO force, left his Remembrance Day poppy on a wreath placed near a Norfolk War Memorial plaque honouring Petty Officer Douglas Craig Blake, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010. 

Chris Abbott

Editor

This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the Norfolk War Memorial marked the 100th year it was held at the Carillon Tower in Simcoe.

Bigger wreaths with bigger poppies were used in honour of the 100th anniversary.

“All of the wreaths that were placed (at Carillon Tower), they were not the traditional ones that you see at all the cenotaphs,” said James Christison, president of Royal Canadian Legion, Simcoe Branch 79.

“They are actually based on what would originally have been made 100 years ago,” said Christison. “Those original wreaths would have been made by wounded veterans in places like Vetcraft.”

Vetcraft shops provided employment and social reintegration for veterans returning from WWI, between 1919 and 1925. They were instrumental in establishing the production and sale of lapel poppies.

“So those original wreaths laid 100 years ago were made by veterans with silk poppies. These ones, we tried to get them as close as possible.”

Snow covered the ground on a chilly Nov. 11th, but several hundred people came out to honour the sacrifices of veterans, men and women who served their country, and those who continue to serve.

“It’s nice to come home,” said Derek Bristol of Port Dover, who served in a multi-national NATO force (combined air operations terminal) deployed in Afghanistan, based in Kandahar from 2008-09, and 2012 in Kabul.

“I don’t mind (the cold), but I think it’s the first time I’ve seen snow like this on Remembrance Day,” said Bristol, now living in Toronto. “I’ve seen the slushy snow, but never ‘snow’ snow.”

“Several people noted how many school kids were there this year,” said Christison. “Several classes from the local elementary schools came out to participate, which is great to see. I think, and speaking with a couple other Legion representatives that were there, there definitely seemed to be more children this year – even with the weather.”

West Lynn Public School teacher Catherine Wiebe, who assisted with the Carillon 100 choir at the dedication in June, brought a section of the choir to sing the national and royal anthems.

“More youth involvement, that’s key,” said Christison. “It’s all about stewardship and perpetuating the message of Remembrance.”

56th Field Regiment RCA members, and members of 69 Battery, were in attendance.

Following the Nov. 11th ceremony, Legion members and the community – and anyone who participated in the Remembrance ceremony – were welcomed at Branch 79 on West Street for a luncheon and time of camaraderie.

Later in the afternoon, the community was welcomed at Army Navy Air Force Unit 255 on Water Street for more camaraderie and a chili/soup open house.