Uigg marks Remembrance Day

Uigg-Kinross-Grandview Women’s Institute hosted the Remembrance Day services in the Uigg Community Centre and it marked the 27t7th anniversary that it was held in the center.

WI member, Crissy Czank, welcomed those present with special mention of members of the Eldon Royal Canadian Legion who were in attendance. She spoke of the ultimate price that was paid by the veterans during the various wars and conflicts so that people could live in freedom.

The veterans were piped to their seats, followed by the singing of “O Canada”, led by pianist Lynda Sharpe.

The honour roll was read by Winnie MacLeod.

The Last Post was played followed by two minutes of silence and Reveille (music provided by member Faye MacLeod). “In Flanders Field “was repeated in unison by everyone.

Ella MacPhee and Leo Czank, youth of the area, read a poem that was rephrased expressing the sentiments of the original, “In Flanders Fields”

Guest speaker, George Doughart, gave a talk on the battle of Passchendaele that took place 100 years ago. He talked about the geographic location of this historic battle, as well as the dire circumstances faced by the Allied soldiers. He also spoke about the role that the Canadian forces played in this significant victory.

Of special interest was that the father of one of the local WI members had been wounded at this notorious battle. He returned home and later enlisted in the Second World War. His picture is on the memorial wall in the community centre.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Eldon Legion, the government of Canada, the provincial government, local service groups and family members. Following the service, these were laid at the cenotaph at Orwell Head Cemetery.

Also adding special reverence to the afternoon’s program are A Remembrance Day prayer by Carol Pippy, Remembrance Day songs “In Honor” and “Be Still my Soul” sung by Peter Worth, accompanied by composer and pianist Lynda Sharpe, and a closing prayer written by diseased WI member Elsie MacLeod and read by Margaret Tesselaar.