It was a solemn morning in Oakville as the community gathered to pay tribute to Canada's veterans on this Remembrance Day 2024.
An official ceremony was held this morning, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at the Veteran's Memorial in George's Square. The proceedings began with a parade led by Captain Andrew Thomson from Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre.
After a land acknowledgement was read by Steve Thomas, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 114 in Oakville, the national anthem was conducted by the Halton Cadet Military Band.
Legion Chaplain Reverend Darcey Lazerte then led the crow with in an opening prayer and a hymn.
There was two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m, following the poem, "In Flanders Fields" read by Gwyneth Lorimer.
Member of parliament Anita Anand then gave remarks on the importance of this day and the symbolism behind wearing poppies.
"The poppy is not just a piece of red velvet that we place on our coats before going to Remembrance Day. It is a symbol of our collective respect for all of those who served and those who continue to serve, many of of whom are here today," she said.
Towards the end of the ceremony Reverend Lazerte concluded his address with his sentiments of the day.
"We honour those who gone on before and we recognize that that dream of peace is worth pursuing, is worth fighting for and is achievable," he said.