A large crowd turned out in Conception Bay South (C.B.S.) Friday for its Remembrance Day ceremony, held at the community’s Monument of Honour on the 11th day of the 11th month, and in this case, of the 11th year for the new millenium.
Sunny weather may have played a part in encouraging residents to come out and take time to remember those in the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in duty, but the unveiling of four bronze wall statues seemed to have just as much of a pull.
The new additions to the Monument of Honour, which was first unveiled on Remembrance Day 2010, recognize those who serve in uniforms and respond to emergencies.
They include bronze busts representing the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, firefighters and peacekeepers.
Mayor Woodrow French took time to thank those in the community who have contributed towards making the monument a reality, while also making special mention of those who are represented by the new statues.
“It’s such a pleasure to celebrate the freedoms we have and honour those who protect us in our daily lives,” he said.
Herb Francis, president of the local Royal Canadian Legion branch and a former peacekeeper, said the bronze statues are beautiful.
“I thank all you people who made donations, especially the people of C.B.S., because this is your monument,” he said. “I hope every year you turn out like you did this year, to show your appreciation to what those young men did so many years ago, and for what our young men are doing today in so many countries around the world.”
RNC Deputy Chief Ab Singleton thanked veterans for their service to the country.
“The way we ensure these people who laid down their lives many years ago, and some currently in the war in Afghanistan and those who continue to keep peace around the world, it is our duty not to forget these people.”
arobinson@thetelegram.com
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