Across Newmarket today, citizens and dignitaries honoured our veterans and the 400 local soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
This year's Nov. 11 Remembrance Day also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The First World, which began in 1914, is noted for its unparalleled levels of death and destruction. When the war ended in 1918, an estimated 16 million people, including soldiers and civilians, had lost their lives.
When the sun set Saturday, Nov. 10 over Veterans’ Memorial Park, candlelight illuminated about 400 crosses set in the ground in honour of Newmarket’s veterans who fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy today. Local chapters of the Air Cadets and Sea Cadets guarded the Cenotaph until the morning, and performed a changing of the guards every half hour.
Hundreds of residents lined Water Street, Doug Duncan Drive, Church Street and D’Arcy Street for Newmarket’s annual parade today, and for the service at the Cenotaph at Veterans’ Memorial Park where wreaths were laid by local dignitaries and government representatives, as well as the Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, York Regional Police, Central York Fire Services, Girl Guides and Scouts.
At sunset, local church bells tolled, joining congregations across the country, from Alberta and Halifax, in ringing their bells 100 times to mark the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 when church bells rang out across Europe signalling the end of the First World War.
The day ended with the Battle’s Over event at the Cenotaph in Veterans’ Memorial Park at 7 p.m. A bugler played The Last Post and town crier Athol Hart presented A Cry for Peace Around the World, which was created especially for this global event.
Today, Premier Doug Ford issued a statement for Remembrance Day:"Today, as we mark 100 years since the armistice that ended the First World War, I encourage all Ontarians to reflect on the bravery of our Canadian heroes, past and present, and the sacrifices they have made in the name of our peace and safety.
"Our government recognizes that Canadian heroes span every conflict and every generation. During some of the darkest chapters in our history, Canadians have put their lives on the line. In the First World War, the Second World War, Korea and Afghanistan, whenever the world's most evil powers rose up: Canadians were there, and ready to fight.
"They volunteered to serve, to protect our country and protect our way of life. They left their families, and put their lives on the line for their country. Many made the ultimate sacrifice, and for that — for keeping our country safe, we will be forever grateful.
"Because of their courage and sacrifice, most Canadians will never know the horrors of war.
"... Ontario will always stand with you. And we will always honour your legacy and service."
