Chris Abbott
Norfolk County joined Canadians across the country on Nov. 10 and Remembrance Day, Nov. 11 to honour those who have served and continue to serve during times of war, military conflict, and peace.
Remembrance Day services were held in Simcoe, Waterford, Delhi, Fairground (Houghton), Port Rowan, St. Williams, and Port Dover.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, Teeterville Wagner Memorial Branch 526 held its Remembrance Service inside Norfolk Fire Department’s Station 4 hall due to rainy weather.
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady said it was heartening to see so many people at the Teeterville service, including children, joining the Legions, the UN Peacekeepers, the colour party, accompanied by the Branch 163 Pipes and Drums from Hamilton.
“Now more than ever in these times of uncertainty, we need our Legions to be the place in our community where people can come together to break bread and enjoy each other’s company,” said Brady. “In the coming days we will all witness the spectacular colours, sounds and traditions of our regiments, squadrons, veteran and military organizations, like the sight and sound of a pipe band. A powerful rendition of our national anthem, like we heard from Danielle (Hainer). And the sight and sound of a lone bugle playing the Last Post.”
Haldimand-Norfolk has a distinguished military history, said Brady, where citizens have continually ‘stood up’ to answer the call.
“They have all done us proud. We see them, we support them and we stand with them.”
Remembrance ceremonies give us an opportunity to show our deep appreciation for the priceless gift of freedom given to us by our veterans and the brave men and women serving today, said Brady.
“Those are freedoms many of us often take for granted,” she noted.
“I often think that the further away we move from the Great Wars, the more likely we are to lose sight of those sacrifices men and women have made for each and every one of us.
“While we remember the contributions of our great men and women, we have to always remember the families who supported – and support - them. They too made – and make – contributions and are testament to the spirit of courage and commitment that defines areas like Haldimand-Norfolk.”
Brady recalled the Second World War service of Teeterville brothers Cpl. Harry Everett Wagner, who died Aug. 12, 1944… Pte. Bruce Howard Wagner, who died Jan. 31, 1945… and Pte. Ivan Samuel Wagner, who died July 18, 1944.
“How did she (Nora Wagner) cope with the loss of three sons, all within six months?”
As conflict continues to rise around the world, and democracy is being threatened, Brady said it is important to reflect on the stark reality of what it takes to defend democracy, not only abroad but here at home.
“We must empower and support those who courageously serve, so that they too may find success and opportunity upon returning to civilian life. We are living in uncertainty, in unprecedented times, with global impacts of state on state conflict and violent extremist organizations threatening not only our freedoms, but our quality and way of life. But I think we can all find comfort in knowing there remain people who put country ahead of self for their service within our Canadian military.
“While it is difficult to find the words that truly convey the sincerest of appreciation, may we all go today reminding ourselves that freedom is not free and it always comes at a cost.”
Brady urged everyone to tell their children and grandchildren of ‘such men and women,’ their stories and their deeds, and partake in Remembrance Day events.
“May we not only Remember them on Nov. 11, but all 365 days of the year. Lest we forget.”
Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin also spoke at the Ward 3 Remembrance Service.
“While I am deeply saddened that we are not at the (Teeterville) cenotaph, because it is truly one of the most beautiful settings in Norfolk County to celebrate and remember our veterans, I would like to start off by thanking our gracious hosts at the fire hall here,” said Martin. “Thank you for acting on short order and bringing us all together, and furthermore, thank you for your continued service to keep residents of Norfolk County safe.
“Today we gather here… to honour and remember the brave men and women from our community and surrounding areas and hamlets who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage, their dedication and their selflessness in the face of conflict reshaped the freedoms and peaces that we share today.”
Remembrance Day is a time to pay tribute to their service, and renew our commitment to a legacy of Remembrance and gratitude, she said.
“Each Nov. 11, our nation pauses to reflect on the remarkable contributions of those who served – and those who continue to serve.
“Here in our closeknit communities, Teeterville, Ward 3 at large, and surrounding areas, this day is uniquely personal. We remember friends, neighbours, family members who when called upon, showed extraordinary resolve. Ordinary from our community left behind their fields, farms, their homes, their loved ones, bound for battlefields far from here.”
Behind every name is a story of courage, said Martin, and a family whose lives forever changed.
“To the loved ones, the families and friends of our fallen heroes, we stand beside you… It is our duty and our privilege and our promise to ensure that this legacy is never forgotten.
“To those who have served, to those who never returned, and those who continue to stand watch over the values that we hold dear, we offer our eternal gratitude.
“Their stories, their sacrifices, and their legacy compel us to remember that the freedoms that we enjoy today came at an extraordinary price, and I’m here to say, may we never take that for granted. Lest we forget.”
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