Georgina remembers with parades and in-person ceremonies

By Mike Anderson

On November 6, Georgina remembered with a parade in Keswick and Sutton, and a service in Pefferlaw, leading up to Remembrance Day this Friday, November 11.

Led by the Sutton Legion Colour Party, local dignitaries, Veterans, Cadets, Georgina Fire and York Regional Police, the parades traveled down The Queensway and High St., ending with a wreath laying, prayers and a moment of silence at the Keswick and Sutton Cenotaphs.

In Pefferlaw, a wreath laying ceremony was held at the Pefferlaw Lion’s Community Hall, and included a performance by the Phoenix Singers, who sang a choral version of “In Flanders Fields,” Dr. John McCrae’s famous WW1 era poem.

“We need to remember those that gave their lives in service to our country. Whether it was in World War I, World War II, and other conflicts,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk who took part in both parades and placed wreaths on behalf of the Town of Georgina in Keswick, Sutton and Pefferlaw.

“It makes you feel proud to be a Canadian, to be able to have the freedoms that we enjoy.”

While Mayor Quirk acknowledged that many of our Veterans of the world wars have passed, and with them our connection to the past, she was happy to see children taking part in the parades and attending the ceremonies.

“I really like to see the young kids coming out and paying tribute and remembering. It’s important to remember our history, our heritage, and to remember those lives lost, those lives given in service of our country.”

While crowds along the parade routes this year were sparse, those who attended were glad to see them back after a two year hiatus.

“It’s really important to remember the sacrifices made by those who served, so we have our freedoms, especially now in time of uncertainty,” said Marlene, who watched the parade pass on High St. with her husband, Clinton, and daughter, Addison, 11.

“It’s also important for our children to be part of it. Their grandparents were in the war, but they’re no longer here. And with COVID the last two years, there hasn’t been much even in school about it.”

“The kids today don’t really understand what happened in a war. They see pictures and hear stories, but they don’t really fully comprehend what took place and what kind of sacrifices people really did make,” added Clinton.

“Eighteen year-old kids in high school would be on the frontline. They don’t get that. They don’t understand.”

“I felt proud to walk in the parade. Remembrance Day is one of the most important days we have in this job, as parliamentarians,” said MP Scot Davison, who was part of the Canadian continent that traveled to France in August to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.

“It’s important for people to pause and take a reflection of what the fallen have done for our nation as well as the people that are currently serving our nation. There’s some trouble out there in the world. So, we always have to be looking out for our men and women of the military, always be thinking of them.”

This Friday, Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place at the Keswick and Sutton Cenotaphs at 11 a.m.

You can support the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign by making a donation at one of poppy boxes in town. Funds donated during the national Poppy Campaign support veterans and their families, close to $20 million is raised each year.

You can also dedicate a digital poppy through mypoppy.ca and share it on social media.