Mapleton residents gather for Remembrance Day ceremony

November 13, 2024 @ 9:00 amCommunity News

Members of the 1943 Norwell Army Cadets stand guard at Drayton’s cenotaph during the Remembrance Day service. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp
Members of both Drayton and Arthur Legions’ colour parties lead the parade down Wellington Street to Drayton’s cenotaph on Remembrance Day. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp
From left, Joy Reinders-Steele, Glynis Belec and Drayton Legion member Barb Ritchie at Drayton’s cenotaph on Remembrance Day. Reinders-Steele and Belec both gave heartfelt speeches to the crowd during the service. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp
Representing the Mapleton Fire Department, Tom Wood lays a wreath of remembrance at the Drayton cenotaph on Nov. 11. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp
Drayton Legion Sergeant at Arms Dave Ritchie, left, shows his respect during Drayton’s Remembrance Day service, while members of the 1943 Norwell Army Cadets stand guard at the cenotaph on Nov. 11. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp
Accompanied by Drayton Legion’s Sergeant at Arms Dave Ritchie, Wellington County Ward 2 councillor Earl Campbell lays a wreath at the cenotaph during the Remembrance Day service in Drayton. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp
Perth Wellington MP John Nater lays a wreath of remembrance in Drayton on Nov. 11. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp

MAPLETON – Drayton held their Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11.

Members of both Drayton and Arthur Legions’ colour parties lead the parade down Wellington Street to Drayton’s cenotaph on Remembrance Day. Because Drayton’s service is held in the afternoon, both legions traditionally support each other’s event.

Drayton’s Remembrance Day parade was over a block long, and included marching music provided by the Cameron Heights Highlanders from Mount Forest.

Joy Reinders-Steele, Glynis Belec both gave heartfelt speeches to the crowd during the service. Reinders-Steele described her family’s experience in the Netherlands during WWII and expressed gratitude to the Canadian Armed forces for helping to liberate the Dutch.

Belec shared details of her parents’ involvement during WWII in Great Britain, and concluded by saying “we cannot change history, but we can and we must learn from it.”

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