Following the Southampton Service members of the public placed their poppies on the recently laid wreaths November 11 at the Southampton Cenotaph.

Hub Staff

A frosty day did not deter the crowds from attending as Southampton observed Remembrance Day along High Street November 11. The service which drew a minute of silence following the playing of the Last Post was administered by Southampton Legion Branch 155 President John Willetts and Padre Ann Veyvara Divinski, where over 40 fallen soldiers from Southampton and Saugeen First Nation were remembered and over forty wreaths were laid by community partners and family members.

Padre Veyvara Divinski remarked that lost servicemen and women who gave their lives for freedom should be remembered not just on Remembrance Day, but everyday. Legion President Willetts brought focus to the commemorative banners that lined High Street that show soldiers from Southampton and Saugeen First Nation who lost their lives in past wars, including World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

“These pictures were taken very close to the ends of their young lives. Many of these soldiers were born here, went to school here, played here, fell in love here, in Southampton. Friends, family, brides held them, kissed them and asked them to be safe and wished them well as they went to war. Later on, the families, mothers and fathers were given the news that they would not see their son again,” said Willets of the fallen soldiers.

The Legion President remarked that many veterans that return from war are often broken and changed from their experiences. He asked the crowd to be empathetic toward the feelings of soldiers and told everyone to be proud of themselves for being in attendance, to honour those who served and gave their lives so their country could be free today.

Following the ceremony and to applause from the crowd, the Legion Branch 155 colour party marched around the giant flag in Southampton and led the way back to the Southampton Legion.

The colour party of Branch 155 marched down Millard Boulevard, turning around at the flag following Southampton Remembrance Day ceremonies November 11.

The bundled up band members played classic songs including God Save the Queen and It’s a Long way to Tipperary, during the Southampton Remembrance Day ceremony November 11.

The Legion Branch 155 colour party led the march down High Street towards the Southampton Cenotaph November 11.

Southampton’s Bill Streeter was one of many who laid a wreath during the Southampton service.

Representing the County of Bruce was Mayor Mike Smith while Vice-Deputy Mayor Diane Huber laid a wreath representing the Town of Saugeen Shores.

Wreathes laid on behalf of the Southampton Legion Branch 155 and the Southampton Ladies Auxiliary.

A rendition of God Save the Queen ended the Southampton service.