On the eleventh hour of the eleventh month on the eleventh day, over 250 Elliot Lake residents came together to celebrate Remembrance Day.
The festivities began with a parade of veterans who marched to the cenotaph where wreaths were placed to remember those who have fought for our freedom. Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima choir began the celebrations with their rendition of O Canada and the crowd joined in as well, fighting the bitter cold.
At 11 a.m., heads were bowed for the moment of silence as many remembered family and friends who have served in the military.
Standing in silence in memory of her late cousin, Jacynthe Corelli said she celebrates Remembrance Day in her cousin, Jeremy Labonte’s, life and sacrifice.
”He passed away in 2010 from a single gunshot wound in his chest overseas,” she explained. “He was 24 years old. We weren’t from Elliot Lake but with my recent move here, I thought it would be a great gesture in his memory to attend today.”
Speakers for the ceremony included Mayor Dan Marchisella and Algoma Manitoulin MP Carol Hughes.
Marchisella, former Canadian Armed Forces soldier, served six years in the military with one in Afghanistan, expressed his gratitude towards our military members.
”Thank you for your service. It takes dedication, he said. “Our freedom is because of you.”
Watching the ceremonies, Denise Lam explained her reasoning for celebrating Remembrance Day. Her son, who passed away in 2016 from mental illness, served four years in the Canadian Military And was stationed in Petawawa.
”He enjoyed serving his country,” she said. “I miss him dearly every day.”
To finish off the festivities, residents were able to enjoy refreshments at the Royal Canadian Legion.
Lest we forget those who continue serving for our country.