This unique wreath was in memory of Helen Holk who is remembered as being very passionate about Remembrance Day.

Hub Staff

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340 once again demonstrated their leadership in remembering all who have fallen in the line of duty.

Remembrance Day Legion colour guard and parade were ably maneuvered from the Legion to the Cenotaph by the crisp deep tones of left, left, left-right-left booming out from Legion Comrade and former Royal Canadian Regiment Private Mike Hobson.

Hundreds huddled and braved a cold east wind demonstrating unwavering community support in recognition for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our cherished freedom. Even on this bitter Saturday, November 11 morning there were at least as many community youth as there were adults.

Wreaths adorned the Cenotaph, both positioned in advance by local businesses and laid during the ceremony by representatives of all levels of government, schools, police and fire departments as well as serving military, veterans and veteran’s families.

In a poignant display of family love Tanya Thede, André Robert and Tammie Morash, a retired veteran of 23 years, placed a unique wreath in memory of their deceased mother Helen Holk. André said, “My mother [Helen] was previously the poppy campaign chair for Branch 340 in Port Elgin and she was very passionate about Remembrance Day.”

The ceremony followed a well-practiced script offered by the ever organized Legion Office Manager Norma Dudgeon. Dudgeon and her talented crew offered prayer, our national anthem, the Last Post, a 2-Minute Wave of Silence, the Rouse, the Royal anthem of Canada, God Save The Queen and some chosen words from Psalm 46 delivered by Legion Chaplin, Reverend Chuck Beaton.

Dudgeon proffered as it was a very cold day that she would not read the customary list of supporting local businesses and instead would offer thanks through local media.

As the parade left the Cenotaph on its return to the Legion a spirited round of applause greeted those in procession.

After the formal proceedings and in a truly original gesture the third Port Elgin Guides returned to the Cenotaph to add a hand made garland complete with their own words of sentiment.

The third Port Elgin Guides seen marshalling into parade position.

Many wreaths adorned the Port Elgin Cenotaph.

Family members gather with a wreath in memory of their mother Helen Holk.

Third Port Elgin Guides with their hand made garland.

Guides add words of sentiment with their wreath.

Editor's Note: The original version of this article named former Royal Canadian Regiment Private as Chris Hobson, when in fact it was Mike Hobson. The article has been corrected.