Remembrance Day ceremony honours veterans, fallen soldiers

Administrator | Nov 11, 2025 | Comments 0

Representatives from the Hasty P’s museum dressed in vintage uniforms had planned to arrive in vintage vehicles, but did not, due to the snowy weather.

By Sue Capon
A good crowd attended the Picton Cenotaph on a snowy, cold Remembrance Day to honour generations of women and men who have served this country.

This year marks eight decades since the conclusion of the Second World War. Veterans Affairs Canada estimates there are nearly 3,700 surviving Canadian veterans. More than 120,000 lost their lives in the wars of South Africa, the First and Second World Wars, Korea, Boer and in Afghanistan.

“Canadian veterans have defended peace and freedom across continents,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson, addressing several hundred people in attendance at the cenotaph. “When the battles ended, they came home to help build the country they fought to protect. Let us remember their stores, honor their legacy, and uphold the freedoms they secured.”

The Chapel Street Singers perform during the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 service at Picton United.

A service at Picton United Church was followed by a march to the cenotaph and the wreath-laying ceremony, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78, Picton. The Legion recognizes all of Canada’s veterans, serving and retired, and commemorates the fallen, including the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, peace officers, Merchant Navy, and reserves. Legions also honour their families and their losses.

“Through many wars, Canadians have made sacrifices; leaving behind their family homes and dreams to protect the values and freedoms that make our country what it is today,” said said Branch President Diane Kennedy. “This year is significant as it marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Holland, and the end of World War Two in Europe. At the end of the World War Two in Europe, the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment returned to Canada in October of 1945.”

Padre Brian Nicholson observes as RCL Branch 78 President Diane Kennedy assists a student from PECI to read the Act of Remembrance excerpt from Laurence Binyon’s “For the Fallen”.

“We come together to observe two minutes of silence in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to ensure that their stories are passed on to future generations,” added Kennedy.

Padre Brian Nicholson offered thanks “for the raw courage of Canadians who, with their allies, crossed thousands and thousands of miles, to infiltrate the enemy… and the sacrifice of volunteer forces who were prepared to give their all… We pray that we may uphold the torch entrusted to us so that their sacrifices may not have been in vain; unite all the peace-loving peoples of our worlds in one holy purpose to defend the principles of freedom and brotherhood for which these valiant hearts lived and died.”

Next year, the Legion will mark a century of Remembrance since the organization was officially incorporated.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in the County were also held in Wellington, and Consecon.