Residents, veterans, students, and local officials gathered at Vimy Ridge Park in London’s east end for a Remembrance Day ceremony honouring those who served and sacrificed their lives for Canada. The annual service included the playing of the Last Post, two minutes of silence, and the laying of wreaths at the memorial. Now in its third year, the ceremony was organized to give residents in the Argyle community an opportunity to participate in Remembrance Day closer to home, particularly those who may not be able to attend the larger service at Victoria Park. Organizer David Daugharty said the event is made possible through the support of the Argyle Community Association, the Argyle Business Improvement Association, and community volunteers. “We have the troops; we have the students who make the wreaths. It’s a good ceremony to honour the fallen,” Daugharty said. He added that remembering those who served is especially important given the sacrifices made by generations of military personnel, including members of his own family. London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis says the involvement of local young people helps ensure the importance of Remembrance Day carries on through future generations. “What’s special about today is the wreaths that are being laid have been put together by our elementary schools and our secondary school in the east end, and they will be laid by young cadets and school representatives,” Lewis said. Retired air force captain Sam Newman also attended the ceremony to speak with students about the significance of remembering Canada’s veterans. For some attendees, the service also carried a deeply personal connection. Lt.-Col. Joe Murray, who grew up in the neighbourhood, said his father was among the veterans who served during the Second World War. “He was a D-Day veteran. Landed at D-Day, fought through Normandy, was wounded by German aid, went back and fought through the Scheldt and came back. Long story short, with one lung and he never worked again. So, this means a lot to me,” said Lt. Murray. The ceremony concluded with a reminder of the lasting importance of remembrance and the value of peace. “Remembrance Day is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring importance of peace,” said CAPT (ret’d) Sam Newman.
