Renfrew braved uncommonly cold weather for the chance to honour those who gave all for their community.
Residents gathered alongside veterans and representatives from local organizations and groups to take turns laying wreaths along the Low Square cenotaph on Tuesday morning as Renfrew Legion Branch 148’s Public Relations Officer Debbie McDermid was relieved to see that day’s blustery conditions were not enough to deter people from recognizing Remembrance Day.
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- Renfrewites braced the elements on a snowy Remembrance Day | Mik Horvath/MBC
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- Mik Horvath/MBC
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- Solider posted on cenotaph’s corner | Mik Horvath/MBC
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- The ceremony concluded with a march towards the Renfrew Legion where veterans of the past and present gather to enjoy life’s simple pleasures with fellow service members. | Mik Horvath/MBC
Despite having to work around about 6 inches of snow on the ground by her estimate, McDermid says seeing both familiar and new faces of all ages and generations take the time to reflect on the sacrifices of Canada’s armed forces members bodes well as the Legion pushes to welcome veterans from modern-day conflicts into the fold.
While she admits convincing new veterans to join the Legion continues to be a work-in-progress for various reasons, McDermid maintains that the door is always open at their Raglan Street South branch office for anyone who would like to learn more.
The Legion is also always looking for volunteers, with private citizens inspired by this Tuesday’s ceremony invited to drop by their local legion to learn how they can help.
(written by Kasey Egan)
