It was a day of remembrance and recognition – of Canadian soldiers past and present.
Residents here gathered at the cenotaph for their annual Saturday morning service. As the parade arrived, master of ceremonies John Scott read the Act of Remembrance.
This year recognized both the contributions of the past and the efforts of those involved in conflicts throughout the world.
Bringing that to heart was a letter by Master Corporal Michael Woolley, currently stationed in Afghanistan, which was read to those gathered.
“Hello from Afghanistan.
“My mother Edna Woolley has informed me of the wonderful support that has been extended to her and my family during my tour.
“Your invitation to lay a wreath during the service has been a humbling one for our family and an honour. I would personally like to thank you for demonstrating that Rockwood is a community that cares.
“I’ve always called Rockwood home even after living in London for seven years.
“There is something about our little community that always draws me back.
“This past summer, I spent many days with my family in Rockwood, being there with family.”
He wrote it was a reminder of his youth and the good times spent there. “This reminded me of why I wear my uniform and I do what I do. Canada is a great country filled with amazing and caring communities like Rockwood.
He again thanked the community for support not only to him and his family, “but to all of those in the Canadian forces, who stand on guard for thee.”
Later Edna Woolley and her mother, Peggy Goodridge, laid a wreath on behalf of mothers of those in the Canadian Forces – past and present.
Father Pablito Labado, from Sacred Heart Roman Catholic and St. Peter’s Church, said those gathered had come “to honour those fallen in various battles past and present and those still alive who offer their bodies, hearts, and spirits aspiring to build a better, peaceful community on nations.”
He asked the Lord to help us “in our time of pain and sorrow and to comfort those families whose sons and daughters have gone before us because of those conflicts.”
He spoke of soldiers currently involved in peacekeeping missions especially in Afghanistan and the hope that their work would be accomplished soon.
