KDSS welcomes veterans, Legion members, Air Cadets to annual Remembrance Day Ceremony

It was a solemn occasion, Friday morning, as students and staff gathered in the Kincardine District Senior School gymnasium for the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Nolan King of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band piped in the Kincardine Legion Colour Party, followed by local veterans, Legion members, and Kincardine Air Cadets, as students lit the darkness with their cell phone flashlights.



Nolan King of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band pipes in the Kincardine Legion Colour Party, veterans, Legion members and the Kincardine Air Cadets at the KDSS Remembrance Day Ceremony, Friday morning, at the school

MCs Jamie Welwood and Brent Urie led the ceremony.

“Today, on this solemn day of remembrance, we gather here at KDSS to honour the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country – in times of war and in times of peace,” said Welwood. “This day invites us to pause and reflect on the immense debt we owe to those who have worn the uniform, recognizing that the peace and freedom we enjoy today are the direct result of their courage and sacrifice.”



MCs Jamie Welwood (left) and Brent Urie lead the ceremony

The KDSS concert band, under the direction of Andrew Robichaud, played “O Canada,” followed by “The Last Post” by Kendra Newton on trumpet, two minutes of silence, “The Rouse” by Kendra, “The Lament” by Nolan, and the “Royal Anthem” by the band.



Kendra Newton plays "The Last Post" on the trumpet

The Act of Remembrance was read by Asiya Lila and Tanvi Shah:

They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Amy Snobelen welcomed, and listed the names of, the veterans and Legion members at the ceremony.

The band played “Homeward Bound,” written in 1917 and capturing the emotions of men and women dreaming of the day when the fighting would end and they could return to their loved ones.



The KDSS rock band, "Rush Hour," performs at the Remembrance Day Ceremony; from left, are Andrew Robichaud, Lochlan Bartley, Pete Richards, Averee Hamann and Alex Peterson

Haven Nickel shared the story of First World War veteran Charles “Eric” Robertson of Walkerton.

The KDSS rock band, “Rush Hour,” led by Pete Richards, performed “Highway of Heroes,” and “For What It’s Worth.”

Keith Colley then outlined the service of local veteran, Corporal Brad Fenton, a graduate of KDSS in 1991, who was at the KDSS ceremony. He was part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Croatia in 1994 and Bosnia in 1998.

“He is a legitimate hero,” said Colley. “He disarmed land mines and ordinance, and saved people’s lives.”

“As we conclude this Remembrance Day Ceremony, let us carry with us the spirit of gratitude and reflection,” said Welwood. “Today, we have honoured the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy. May we continue to uphold their legacy through understanding, tolerance and respect for one another. Let us seek out honesty in all that we do, and provide space for others to be honest as well.

“Our leaders must be held accountable – accountable to strive for peace in the world, accountable to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and accountable to speak the truth.

“Lest we forget.”

The Colour Party retrieved the colours and marched out of the gymnasium to end the ceremony.