The front lawn of one of the most recognized public buildings in Wellington County was the stage for a special remembrance this year.
White crosses adorned with a poppy offer a memorial to the 317 local souls who sacrificed much in the First World War.
As the sun rose this past Tuesday over Wellington Place, we couldn’t help but reflect on the surroundings.
Formerly the Home for the Poor, Wellington Place stood as a stoic reminder of the craftsmanship of that time, as did the old bank barn which has since been preserved.
Both offer a source of reflection, of what Wellington was like a century ago, when Canada came of age as a military force fighting in a far off land.
Today, Canadians are quite familiar with current events around the globe. More precisely, we can be informed as we choose to be, while a century ago, Newspapers were the chief source of information nation-wide.
It is astounding really, when understood in that context.
In our coverage this week there are numerous stories of war time. Within those stories are hints of seeking adventure – whether on the high seas or in war torn Europe.
Rightly, Canadians are learning more all the time of the sacrifice of women who enlisted, often to deal with the casualties of war.
It is worth noting that many women who remained at home dealt with the aftermath of war, caring for soldiers who returned home from hellish conditions, seeing things many today could not stomach.
Honouring the fallen and the sacrifices of those who returned home is the least Canadians can do today. Our very freedom is owed to those who answered the call of vanquishing tyranny in their time.
