Woodstock Remembers

Tuesday, 11 November 2014 16:24

The Victoria Cenotaph was covered in wreaths laid by young and old alike.

Hundreds of Woodstonians gathered at the Victoria Park Cenotaph to remember.

(WOODSTOCK) - The weather held out and the wind didn't stop hundreds of Woodstonians from gathering at the Victoria Park Cenotaph Tuesday morning for the annual Remembrance Day service. Veterans, cadets, students, teachers, and military members both past and present took pause to remember the sacrifice of members of the Woodstock community, as well as all Canadians, who gave their lives fighting in conflict.

Young and old were on hand to witness today's ceremony that included a fly-by by two Havard aircraft, a four man sentry guard, and a full colour guard provided by the Royal Canadian Legion branch 55.

First Vice President of the Woodstock Legion, Steven Smith, says that this ceremony is "a thank you that we as the citizens of Woodstock need to put forward to those who have served."

The Legion held a luncheon and meet and greet for the community following the ceremony, and it gave people a chance to see what it is the legion does to take care of veterans. Poppy boxes were stacked high on a table, evidence of this year's poppy campaign. Although the numbers aren't in, last year was promising, raising $30,000 for veterans in the area. Smith says this is a crucial program within the legion, and it helps provide programs such as meals on wheels, and medical supplies.

Sean Noon was one of many legion members in attendance after the ceremony. Noon, a former reservist with 31 service battalion in Hamilton, had his three-year old son Gavin with him for today's ceremonies. Sean paraded with the Legion, while Gavin watched proudly. He stressed the importance of continuing to remember the sacrifices made by our men and women, and teaching younger generations to acknowledge their lives.

"My little guy right here, he needs to know one day, the sacrifices of all our veterans."

The legion is open to everyone, young and old, and anyone wishing to obtain more information can contact branch 55 in Woodstock at 519-537-3112