Remembrance ceremony held in Clifford

Remembrance service – Harriston Royal Canadian Legion Branch 296 held a Remembrance ceremony at the Clifford cenotaph on Nov. 6. In addition to a large “Lest we forget” wreath sponsored by several local businesses and organizations, wreaths were laid by MP John Nater, MPP Matthew Rae, and County of Wellington councillor David Anderson. Minto Mayor George Bridge, Clifford firefighter Tyler Andrews and poppy campaign organizer Anne South also laid wreaths of remembrance. Remembrance Day services will be held throughout North Wellington on Nov. 11. Photos by Sue Hogenkamp

Canada remembers – Representing the nation, Perth-Wellington MP John Nater lays a wreath of remembrance at the Clifford cenotaph at the 2022 Remembrance service on Nov. 6.

In addition to a large “Lest we forget” wreath sponsored by several local businesses and organizations, wreaths were laid by dignitaries, including Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae.

Trumpet Tradition – For more than 25 years, Judy Dirksen has played The Last Post and Reveille at both Clifford and Harriston Remembrance services. Haunting and beautiful, The Last Post was originally used as a signal to mark the end of the day in British Army Camps in the 1790s. The tune indicated that the last sentry post had been inspected, and the area was secure for the night. It was also used to communicate the end of a battle, so that soldiers would know that it is now safe to move around and retreat. Over the years, it has become a final farewell; a symbol that a soldier’s duty is over, and they can rest in peace. At our present day Remembrance services, once the final note of The Last Post sounds, two minutes of silence begins. The trumpeter then sounds the end of silence by playing Reveille, which used to be the first bugle call of the day in camp, but which now symbolizes a soldier’s rebirth into eternal life. Dirksen, right, plays at the Remembrance service in Clifford on Nov. 6.