A large crowd gathered Friday morning around the Sarnia Cenotaph at the 11th hour to honour those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Hundreds of residents, veterans and dignitaries took part in the annual Remembrance Day service at Veterans Park.
The colour party left the Royal Canadian Legion on Front Street at 10 a.m. for the customary march through the downtown to the park.
Chief Petty Officer Matt Marshall recited In Flanders Fields, the famous poem written over 100 years ago.
Legion Branch 62 President Les Jones addressed the crowd and said part of the mission of the Royal Canadian Legion is to promote remembrance and ensure that future generations of Canadians never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans.
"Your attendance here today is a testament that our message is being heard," said Jones. This year's service also included the official unveiling of a Veterans crosswalk at the intersection of Christina Street and Wellington Street in downtown Sarnia.
Jones said the red and white striped design was selected for several reasons. "In 1921 King George V declared that red and white would be the national colours of Canada," he said. "Red and white also represents the colours of our current Canadian flag first introduced in 1965. The colour red further symbolizes the bloodshed by veterans in the service of Canada and the colour white is recognized as the colour of peace, something that we all hope and pray for."
Around 100 wreaths were laid by local government officials, various organizations and agencies and residents at the foot of the war memorial.
The first wreath was laid by Memorial Cross Mother Pat Poland, whose son Brent Poland was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.
