The Leamington Remembrance Day parade makes its way down Mill Street toward Dieppe Memorial Park on Saturday, November 11 under the command of parade marshal Greg McIntosh. The parade of about 100 participants included veterans, cadets, Legion members, Parks Canada representatives, OPP, EMS and Fire personnel, along with several civilians.
SUN photo by Paul Forman

Remembrance Day well attended in region

Under sunny skies and moderate temperatures, Remembrance Day services in the region drew a tremendous turnout on Saturday, November 11.

Leamington’s parade down Mill Street to the cenotaph included about 100 participants including veterans, cadets, civilians and first responders.

Among the civilians were about 15 hockey players dressed up in their jerseys — the Kitchener Junior Rangers — who were in town for the U16 AAA Hockey Showcase.

Leamington’s own Jody Raffoul kicked things off with a moving rendition of O Canada and the service flowed from there as over 300 people gathered to pay their respects.

Among those people was veteran Greg McIntosh, who led the colour party for the parade and directed them during the service.

“Thanks to all those who marched with us along Mill Street in the Remembrance Day parade; heartfelt appreciation to our veterans and Legion members, the 535 Archer Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and drummer Christian Azzopardi who kept us in step,” he said. “The delegation from OPP, Fire, EMS and Point Pelee National Park, our civilian contingent led by Mayor Hilda MacDonald and the Kitchener Rangers U16 minor hockey team. Upon arrival at the cenotaph, it was fantastic to see the large crowd who gathered to pay their respects and participate in the ceremony. Kudos to the organizing committee for an exceptional service.”

In Kingsville, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 188 service also drew well over 300 people to the cenotaph under warm and sunny skies.

The parade formed up on Division Street South and marched to the cenotaph with veterans, cadets, first responders and Legion members following the piper and colour party.

The moving service included the parade and dove release and a beautiful visual as the sidewalk in front of the cenotaph was painted red and white with a simple message — Lest We Forget.”

In Wheatley, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 324 colour party led the way from Elm Street to the cenotaph on Talbot Street West prior to the service, which attracted well over 200 people.

It was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Legion at Talbot Trail Golf Course.