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Glenwood ceremony honours veterans

The Blessing of War Graves was led by Rev. Kidnew. - Peggy deWitt photo

The Blessing of War Graves was led by Rev. Kidnew. – Peggy deWitt photo

Glenwood Cemetery hosted a special ceremony honouring veterans Saturday to honour and demonstrate gratitude to all veterans who have fought for peace.

Major S. Ronalds

Major S. Ronalds places a poppy. Peggy deWitt photo

“Regardless of when or where the conflict, the same is often said, that their sacrifices are mourned not just for the lives that they lost but for the futures they never had the opportunity to live,” said Major S Ronalds, a senior military officer from 8 Wing Trenton, in giving a tribute.

A glorious sunny fall day helped to make it a memorable one for the large crowd who attended, said emcee Sandra Latchford, Chair of Glenwood Cemetery Board, who welcomed attendees and introduced guests.

Historic Glenwood Cemetery, a 62-acre property in the heart of Picton, is the final resting place for more than 300 veterans – many who served who served in the first and second world wars and including six British airmen who died while training at the former RAF base known as No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School. This former training base overlooking Picton was part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, graduating hundreds of aircrew from many countries during the Second World War.

Air Cadets from 851 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, Prince Edward, greeted guests at the entrance to Glenwood and directed them to the assembly area.

The ceremony began with the march on of the parade led by Mike Slatter, Parade Marshal, Branch 78 Royal Canadian Legion, followed by the Colour Parties from the Branch No.78 Royal Canadian Legion, 413 RCAF Wing Trenton, 415 Wing RCAF Prince Edward, 418 RCAF Wing Belleville; the Prince Edward County Pipe and Drum Band; members from Branch 78 RCL; Air Cadets from 851 Prince Edward Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron; members from 413, 415 and 418 Wings, ending with a contingent of Regular Force personnel from 8 Wing Trenton.

veterans-Jeanette-Arsenault-OCanada-by-P-deWittVocalist Jeanette Arsenault sang the national and royal anthems as well as a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Reverend William Kidnew, Padre of Branch 78 Royal Canadian Legion, gave the opening and closing prayers. Remarks were delivered by Gord Fox, representing Prince Edward County and Todd Smith, MPP Prince Edward Hastings. A military tribute was given by Major S Ronalds from 8 Wing CFB Trenton.

Rev. Kidnew and CWO Collins place poppies. Peggy deWitt photo

Rev. Kidnew and CWO Collins place poppies. Peggy deWitt photo

Air Cadets from 851 Squadron raised and lowered the flags during the playing of the Last Post, the Lament and Reveille, as well as completing standing sentry duty at the gravesites of the RAF personnel who perished while undergoing training.

Musical performances were by Bugler Capt. Kelly Dixon, Piper Susan March and the Prince Edward County Pipe and Drum Band.

The ceremony concluded Arsenault singing “This is my Canada” after which attendees and participants made their way up Maple Hill to decorate the individual graves of veterans with Canadian flags and poppies.

Refreshments were provided in the Glenwood Chapel by Bill and Marni Greive, of The Beck and Call restaurant.

Completing the Veterans’ Day ceremony was the laying of a wreath at the Picton cenotaph.

Veterans-Parade-Marshall-Mike-Slatter-by-P-deWitt

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