Hundreds of People Gathered in Eastern Ontario Cities for Remembrance Day – Kingston | The Canadian News

For the first time in two years, Remembrance Day services were allowed to take place in person at cenotaphs and other war memorials. Hundreds of people gathered in Kingston, Brockville and Belleville to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Cross of Sacrifice was a central point in Kingston for the gatherers. In attendance was veteran Matthew Tofflemire, who served three tours in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan in the early 2000s. For him, November 11 is a day filled with mixed emotions.

“You know, you see people wearing their poppies, you see uniforms, you start listening to bagpipes, the last message, all these things bring back a lot of memories. Therefore, it can be difficult for a soldier, sailor, or aircrew to experience them. But at the same time, as they spoke today, there is gratitude, you know? “Said Tofflemire.

Ethel Quesnel is one of the last surviving widows of a WWII veteran in the region, and she laid down the silver cross during the ceremony.

“Many of them gave their lives and left their loved ones at home and never came back,” said Quesnel.

In Brockville, people gathered downtown to honor and remember family, friends and neighbors. The ability to rally is a welcoming sight compared to last year for veterans.

“I was here last year and you could count the number on your hand. this year there was an excellent crowd considering COVID, ”said Ted Hughes, a veteran.

The crowds were also large in Belleville at the cenotaph of the city.

People of all ages came to pause and remember when the Belleville firefighters pulled into trucks to say hello.

“I pay tribute to my father and his many, many friends that he earned during the year,” said John Gee, a former reservist.

From region to region, people gathered on November 11 to honor the fallen, those who have served and those who continue to serve our country to this day.