Windsorites participate in Remembrance Day

By Hailey Trealout

For the ninety-fourth year, during the eleventh month, on the eleventh day at the eleventh hour, people lined the streets and gathered at the Cenotaph as the military regiments marched down University Avenue.

Everyone stood and applauded as the various military units lined up, framing the Cenotaph grounds. At 11 a.m. a trumpet recited the Last Post, followed by a moment of silence and the laying of the wreaths.

One of the wreaths was placed by Theresa Charbonneau, mother of Cpl. Andrew Grenon on behalf of the Silver Cross Mothers.

“I was overwhelmed, I was pleased, the size of the crowd was unbelievable,” said Charbonneau. “The citizens are so supportive and they are willing to show the veterans that they care and that they remember. Freedom isn’t free. The youngest of children need to be taught that. Prior to Afghanistan, that lesson fell to the wayside. But because of Afghanistan and the present world conflicts, everybody needs to be aware, everybody needs to learn and everybody needs to renew their thanks.”

Suzanne Romanko is a mother of two of the cadets who took part in the ceremony and said she was pleased with the outcome of the ceremony.

“The ceremony is important because we have to remember what all the people before us went through so we can be here the way we are today,” said Romanko. “The rights and freedoms that we all enjoy, we need to remember that every year. I get very emotional when I think about this because my son’s father is an ex military person himself. I want my sons to be able to let their children know that this is an important thing that we need to commemorate every year on Nov. 11. I’m very proud of my sons for being a part of this every year.”

The ceremony concluded with speeches by representatives of the Essex County District and a prayer.

Dan Marshall came for his son who participated in the ceremony with the 31^st Service Battalion. He said it was very heartwarming to see so many people come out to support the ceremony.

“You can never forget what these people do for us as far as keeping our independence and our freedom,” said Marshall. “It’s very easy to take these things for granted but like one of the speakers said, everyday on the news there is something said about terrorism and it’s unfortunate but these people protect our borders and our freedom. To me, it’s something that I don’t forget, I have a family member involved who has served, so I can understand the impact that these people have to protect us. It was a beautiful ceremony, and a great day to be a Canadian.”

Following the prayer, the serving members of Windsor’s Reserve Regiments and the veterans continued their march past the dignitaries next to the Cenotaph while being applauded by supporters.