By Cecilia Nasmith
Remembrance Day in Cobourg came at the end of a special weekend, following the unveiling of the Light Armoured Vehicle monument Friday afternoon and the Highway of Heroes concert Saturday night before poppies were unpinned from lapels Monday.
At this week's council meeting, compliments were conveyed and deeper thoughts were expressed on the debt owed our veterans.
“I would like to congratulate all involved in the LAV 3 ceremony, which took place this past Friday,” Mayor John Henderson said.
“It's certainly a day I will remember, and I believe it speaks volumes for those who have served in the Afghanistan mission and those who are representing our national interests.”
For Councillor Brian Darling, the ceremony was very emotional and very personal, as a good friend of his daughter's was lost in Afghanistan.
“It was a very touching moment for me and my family,” Darling said.
“It was such a great ceremony,” Councillor Adam Bureau declared.
“It was a truly emotional time there, hearing everybody speak as well as the reception afterward.”
Henderson had also attended the Highway of Heroes concert Saturday night, with performances by the Concert Band of Cobourg and the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums, with all money raised going to the poppy fund, “which is so critical,” the mayor said.
“But more importantly, I would say, for me this was one of the most emotional concerts I have ever attended – a performance that was spectacular on all fronts.”
It's an annual concert, he noted, “and I would encourage anyone to attend – it will really be worth your effort.”
Henderson extended compliments to council and senior staff for supporting the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Victoria Park cenotaph.
“It was a sunny, wintry day with a large participation from our community. It speaks volumes for the Town of Cobourg, and I would like to thank those who were able to attend the Legion dinner that night.”
At that dinner, the mayor recalled the words of one veteran, who spoke of the importance of Remembrance Day as an occasion to keep telling this important story.
“It's amazing how many veterans are no longer there, so it's important every day to remember the 117,000 Canadian men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of Canada since Confederation,” Deputy Mayor Suzanne Seguin commented.
The only blot on it all was a photo Henderson saw of a father and son climbing all over the light armoured vehicle at the monument the day after the ceremony.
“Everyone worked so hard toward the LAV 3, as did staff, as did many of our community partners,” he said.
“I would like to reiterate: the purpose of this was a place of honouring, a place of respect for those who have given their lives or are still serving today in our world somewhere.
“It's meant as a place to perhaps go and reflect on our history. The signage is clear as to our connection to the Ordnance Depot #26, with Major Angus Read, who later became one of our outstanding mayors.”
He also singled out Major Michelle Knight Mendes, who was lost in Afghanistan. Her mother Dianne Knight was present at the ceremony as a Silver Star Mother playing a special role in the observances, along with other family members.
“Again, I'm requesting from this council, on behalf of all citizens in Cobourg – I am encouraging all citizens, all visitors to make this a place to visit, a site to admire, but also asking that you personally do treat it as a respectful site as you would our own cenotaph.
“Thank heaven I have not been involved in any form of war. Thank heaven my children have not been involved in any form of war. However, there are others who are, and they are fighting for our values and what we believe in as Canadians.
“So respectfully I ask: would you please honour what this site was meant to do. It was meant to tell a story, it was meant to share a history, and it was meant to deliver a message.”
