We Will Remember Them

By Brandie Majeau

The speaker clears his throat before addressing the crowd. There is an acknowledgment of the 75th
anniversary of the first United Nations peacekeeping mission. Wreaths surround a war monument, and
poppies stand brightly against lapels and breast pockets. Tiny voices inquire about what things are and
what is happening. Faces marked by time watch silently and reflectively. The Last Post begins, and the
flags are slowly lowered. It is coincidental that the train is rolling through town at this moment, its
whistle piercing the cool morning air. The train moves on, and the whistle fades just as the clock strikes
11:11 am. Silence. Except, not quite silent. Someone swallows hard, and several sniffles of emotion are
muffled by gloved hands. There is a soft sob unable to be contained.

This ceremony was one of many communities across Canada hosting and honouring National
Remembrance Day. Each ceremony would be slightly different, with some communities having only a
handful of attendees while others would gather by the tens of thousands. However, they all would have
looked essentially the same. At the heart of National Remembrance Day, participants gather to reflect
and honour those who have given their lives to service. Every ceremony holds a memory of childhoods
affected by war, young men being called upon to defend their country, and families anxiously awaiting
any news at home. Every ceremony grieves the loss of a parent, child, or loved one who never made it
home. Every ceremony brings with it a young family, those teaching a new generation, reminding them
of who these people were and what this country was built upon. Every ceremony is a reminder of all
currently enlisted soldiers.

The Legion Remembrance Day ceremony in Thorhild was held alongside the cenotaph and war memorial
in the Sunflower Memorial Park. It did not have a flyover by the Canadian Armed Forces, and there were
not tens of thousands of people in attendance. However, it held the heart of every Remembrance Day
ceremony. It held the tears, memories, loss, and hope of a nation. And a well-timed train whistle was a
poignant reminder of it all.