Lest We Forget

This year’s Remembrance Day marks the 100^th anniversary of the official end of World War I, a massive conflict that involved the whole globe, but particularly Europe, where Canadian troops fought alongside the Allied Forces. Sunday, November 11^th, 2018 also marks the 100^th year of remembrance this Remembrance Day, commemorating those men and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.

Oakville is holding three official Remembrance Day ceremonies. In Bronte Village, on November 4th, the Royal Canadian Legion parade will travel from 79 Jones Street at 10:00 a.m. to the Cenotaph in Chris Vokes Memorial Park for a Ceremony of Remembrance. This park was dedicated to Major-General Vokes who participated in both the Battle of Ortona in 1943 and the invasion of Germany in 1944. Following the end of the war, he settled in Oakville.

On Sunday, November 11th, a Veteran’s parade hosted by the Oakville Legion, Branch 114, will proceed at 11:00 a.m. to George’s Square Cenotaph for a Ceremony of Remembrance. This central cenotaph honours Oakville residents who died in service to our country and features the names of well-known World War I battles such as Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Surrounding the cenotaph are three walls built to commemorate Oakville residents who served in both world wars and post WW II military operations.

Located within the vast and beautifully landscaped Trafalgar Memorial Park, there will also be a Ceremony of Remembrance at 11:00 a.m. on November 11th.

Over a century ago, Canadian physician, Lt. Colonel John McCrae wrote the timeless poem, “In Flanders Fields” after he noticed red poppies growing uninhibited around the resting places of fallen servicemen.

Each year, millions of red poppies are sold throughout the commonwealth to support veterans and their families. In 2014 a record 19 million poppies were sold in Canada alone. Poppies should be pinned on your left lapel, close to your heart. The joys and freedoms we now enjoy are because of the sacrifices made by those who came before us.