Written By David Gomez
KERWOOD - Residents of Adelaide Metcalfe gathered in Kerwood on Sunday November 9th morning for the municipality’s annual Remembrance Day service, filling the fire hall before moving outdoors for the wreath-laying ceremony under steady, early-season snowfall. The event followed the traditional liturgy shared across communities in the region, combining hymns, reflection and military honours.
“We gathered here today to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed to defend the values we hold dear,” Mayor Sue Clarke said, welcoming attendees and recognizing the breadth of Canada’s military history and service. “With gratitude we remember all personnel who have died in the First and Second World Wars, Korea and Afghanistan.” Clarke added that remembrance extends beyond past conflicts, noting the role of Canadians who serve today “in peacekeeping efforts for NATO, Jordan, Lebanon and elsewhere,” as well as their readiness to respond to emergencies at home.
Inside the fire hall, participants joined in hymns, readings and the Lord’s Prayer, following a program led by members of the Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Department. The Honour Roll was read, followed by a reflection on the importance of remembering both the cost of war and the responsibility to teach future generations. Community members, families and several representatives of local service groups took part in the ceremony.
The service then moved outdoors, where flags at the municipal cenotaph were lowered to half-mast as the Last Post sounded. A moment of silence was observed, with the snowfall noticeably softening the scene as residents gathered in a close semicircle around the memorial. Children and adults carried wreaths forward, placing them at the base of the cenotaph.
Clarke thanked Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Chief Dan Parker and the department for preparing the space and supporting the annual event. Despite the weather, the ceremony drew a strong turnout, reflecting the township’s continued commitment to honouring those who have served and to preserving the lessons of remembrance for years to come.
