Windsor community honors veterans on Remembrance Day

Article content

They maintained their physical distancing, but this year’s Remembrance Day still brought the Windsor community together.

Article content

“Even though we had sat ten feet from each other, it still brings us closer,” Dot Emery said. , attendee at the Remembrance Day ceremony in downtown Windsor and wife of veteran Roger DeGuire. “It was an honor to be able to come … it makes you feel very good.”

Veterans and the local community celebrated a solemn Remembrance Day at the Essex County War Memorial Cenotaph on Thursday, a return to an in-person ceremony following the recent easing of pandemic restrictions.

“Today, we honor all of our veterans who answered their country’s call,” said Paul Lauzon, chairman of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, at the ceremony.

“We honor those who exchanged their civilian shoes for combat boots to serve in times of war, military conflict and peace,” he said. “There could never be enough memorials, medals or parades to make up for what our veterans have sacrificed.”

Article content

Veterans and honorees sat separately around the cenotaph, while other attendees gathered around the perimeter. Those present were advised to wear masks and social distancing, although the public had previously been encouraged to witness the ceremony from home.

One of the invited speeches this year was Retired Lieutenant Colonel. Morris Brause, a veteran with over 40 years of service who served in Bosnia, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, speaking about what it means to be a veteran today.

“I am proud to be Canadian, you should be a proud Canadian,” Brause said. “Sometimes we think that our veterans are just our wonderful old men here today, I am one of them now, but the reality is Today there are many 20 and 21 year old veterans who served and continue to serve this country. Let’s not forget it. “

Article content

Theresa Charbonneau, a Silver Cross mother whose son, Cpl. Andrew Grenon, who was killed with two comrades in a 2008 Taliban attack while serving in Afghanistan, spoke about “the price of war and the cost of freedom.”

“Our younger veterans have learned a lot from their predecessors,” Charbonneau said. “They serve, protect, defend. And they do it willingly when asked and without complaint.

Let us remember the price paid and the cost borne by our continued freedom. Perhaps with our help and the assistance of parents and teachers, our young people, the future generations of Canada, will learn that the price of war is high and the cost of freedom is great. “

Dignitaries representing levels of government, first responders and community leaders paid their respects. Windsor West MP Brian Masse, Windsor-Tecumseh MP Percy Hatfield and Mayor Drew Dilkens also offered reminders.

Article content

“Their service and sacrifice are not in vain and the contributions and courage shown by every soldier, past, present and future are celebrated in Windsor today and always,” said Dilkens. “We will remember them.”

Lauzon said she hopes next year’s ceremony will see the return of the parade and the children’s choir singing O Canada. But he said he was pleased with the support the Windsor community showed on Thursday.

“I thought it was excellent, it was good to see the people who came out to recognize, support and thank the veterans for their freedom,” Lauzon said. “We are very happy and proud of our community.”

Charbonneau said the ceremony, more like those held for the Days of Remembrance leading up to the pandemic, “did her heart good.”

“Windsor is a phenomenal city to remember, they show their memory, they show their respect,” said Charbonneau. “Every citizen of Windsor remembers it, I know it and that’s a lot to me as Silver Cross Mother.”

“I recognized that today is the worst day, the hardest and the saddest, but celebrations like this give us what we need to keep going.”

[email protected]

twitter.com/KathleenSaylors