Snow blew in the wind around the Cenotaph in Hawkesbury on Remembrance Day on November 11.

Veterans and Army cadets marched behind the Colour Party up the sidewalk as the wet snow fell and took their places, whether stationed on guard at the four corners of the Cenotaph, or alongside the walkway in preparation for the Placing of the Wreathes.

A large crowd surrounded the Cenotaph, standing in silence as several dozen wreathes were placed around the monument, followed by salutes, and listened to the prayer and speeches paying tribute to local veterans, both living and dead, and those who provided support to Canada’s armed forces on the battlefield and on the homefront.

“This is a day of reflection and gratitude,” said Jessica Paradis, representing Prescott-Russell-Cumberland MP Giovanna Mingarelli, at the Hawkesbury Remembrance Day ceremony. “Remembrance is not only about the past. It is a promise to future generations.”

Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Lefebvre read out a personal recollection of one veteran on war and why every Canadian veteran has served.

“There is no glory in war. We didn’t fight for glory. We fought because we had no choice but to fight.”

War, stated the veteran in his memoir, is a situation where most of the time spent is with boring non-combat duties, broke up by brief periods and mad action, fearful danger, and complete chaos and confusion. But the goal, the veteran mused, is to make sure that those at home, whether family or strangers, are able to live in peace and security.

“That is why we must never forget.”