Sunny and cold for annual Kincardine Legion Remembrance Day ceremony

It was sunny and cold with a raw wind, Saturday morning, but a large crowd braved the elements to gather at the Kincardine Legion Cenotaph for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

Inside the Legion hall, there was a smaller crowd than usual for the Remembrance Day service at 10 a.m.

The late Rev. Jim Weir had organized the service, and written the sermon, which was delivered by Rev. Eric Williams, with Liz Dadson at the piano. Legion president Jim McDonald and vice-president Robert Fletcher read the Scriptures.

In reading from Weir's text, Williams said that 99 years have passed since the end of the First World War, the Great War, the war to end all wars. He harkened back to a song, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” in which the singer laments, “When will they ever learn?”

Weir noted that he hoped the next Legion padre was not standing here 10 years from now asking the same question.

“We gather today at the cenotaph in Kincardine to remember the terrible events of 100 years ago,” read Williams. “The Legion works hard to meet the needs of our veterans, and to help us remember the many who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.”

One Scripture reading was from Joshua, describing the importance of remembering that moment when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

“It was an amazing crossing for the people of God and the Ark of the Covenant,” read Williams. “Joshua wanted his people to remember that event, so he had 12 stones placed in the middle of the river as a reminder for the people, their children and their children's children. It's a subtle lesson – it's not the monument, itself, that matters, but remembering the event.”

Weir wrote that we must continue to remember, and we do that with the help of the Legion, particularly on Remembrance Day.

“There are few alive now who remember that day – the end of the First World War,” read Williams. “We are pleased to have, here in Kincardine, a monument (the cenotaph) to help us remember and be vigilant.

“There is a difference between remembering and honouring. Today, we gather, remember and honour the 16-million people killed in the First World War, including 10-million soldiers. In four years, the war collapsed four empires, bankrupt Europe, and shattered governments everywhere.”

Weir wrote that the First World War was a pre-condition for the Second World War and the conflicts that followed, including the Cold War. However, there were also many medical advances during that Great War, including blood transfusions that improved the survival rate of casualties and saved lives.

So, how should we live our lives as we remember? Weir turned to the Gospel of Matthew, urging people to help one another, feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, give to those in need. "And thanks be to God who is with us through all our troubles."

Williams then read the poem, "In Flanders Fields," and urged the crowd to always remember those who fought for our freedom. "Many of the dead live on, because we remember them. And so, life triumphs over death."

Outside the Legion, Robert Grey led the ceremony, with the Colour Party forming up beside the cenotaph. Several wreaths were placed until just before 11 a.m., when "O Canada" was played, followed by "The Last Post" played by bugler Ray Kester, "The Lament" by piper Jennifer Farrell of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, two minutes of silence, and then "Reveille" by Kester.

The remaining wreaths were placed, and the ceremony ended with the singing of "God Save the Queen."

Everyone was invited inside the Legion to warm up with coffee and hot chocolate, followed by lunch.