The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 Colour Guard faces the big flag at Southampton’s Dominion Lookout during one of two ceremonies November 11, to honour the fallen and commemorate 100 years since the signing of the armistice.

Hub Staff

Southampton played host to two Remembrance Day ceremonies November 11. A traditional morning ceremony was held to pay respects to the fallen and a second ceremony took place in the afternoon to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the signing to the armistice. Hundreds of people came together in the afternoon on High Street to witness 100 enlisted soldiers and hear 100 bell tolls.

Snow showers present during the annual morning ceremony at the Southampton Cenotaph only highlighted the courage and endurance that soldiers have endured in battle; from snow covered trenches in France to the sandstorms in Afghanistan, highlighted Legion Padre Ann Veyvara-Divinski before leading everyone in prayer.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 President John Willetts urged the crowd to remember their loved ones who served beyond the day of the ceremony. ”Talk with your children and grandchildren, remember those names, tell their stories, speak it aloud," he said. "Perhaps in a little way those people will again be at your kitchen table, they will again be loved, they will again be remembered.”

Following the morning ceremony a reenactment of a photo from 1916 in front of the Southampton Town Hall was taken with many present who enlisted in WW1 and many faces never returning.

Just after 4 p.m. after the snow had cleared, bells from St Paul's Anglican Church and the Town Hall could be heard ringing 100 times to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice. A parade of 100 soldiers from Camp Meaford, as well as veterans, Emergency Service personnel, dignitaries the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 Colour Guard and a pipe band then marched down High Street to the big flag at Dominion Lookout where the memories of those lost were recalled once again and songs were sung to the flag flying at half mast.

Snow showers that occurred during the Southampton Remembrance Day ceremony served as a reminder of what veterans and current service members have experienced.

Local veterans, soldiers from Camp Meaford, cadets, legion representatives, dignitaries and community members stood in solidarity to remember those who lost their lives in battle.

The Southampton Concert Band kept in tune in blustery conditions.

Saugeen Shores Heritage Committee member Bill Streeter, who did a vast amount of research for the Saugeen Shores commemorative banner project, laid the first wreath from the Province of Ontario during the Southampton ceremony.

Representatives from Southampton Legion Ladies Auxiliary (left), Town of Saugeen Shores (Councillor Cheryl Grace) and Bruce County (Saugeen Shores Mayor Elect Luke Charbonneau) laid wreaths around the Southampton Cenotaph.

Following 100 bell tolls to mark 100 years since the signing of the armistice, local dignitaries including Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anquot, Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith, Mayor Elect and Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson followed the Southampton Legion Colour Guard and McLaren’s Pipe and Drum Band down High Street to the big flag at Dominion Lookout.

Mayor Elect, Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau (left) and Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Education Lisa Thompson (right) present Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 President John Willetts with a flag. Flags were also presented by Saugeen First Nation and by Pat O'Connor on behalf of the Federal Government.

John Willetts, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 and Legion Padre Ann Veyvara-Divinski spoke at both Southampton Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Over 100 currently enlisted Canadian soldiers from Meaford’s military camp marched in a parade down High Street, receiving applause and gratitude from many onlookers.

Aerial photographs are courtesy of Larry Leonard.