Hundreds pack Bridgetown school Nov. 11 to honour those who served
A change in location didn’t seem to adversely affect the Remembrance Day ceremony in Bridgetown Nov. 11.
The gymnasium at the Bridgetown Regional Community School was packed.
Hundreds of people put on their poppies and gathered to honour those who served in two world wars, Korea, Vietnam, and in numerous modern-day wars and conflicts.
“Some people would call it bravery, but I realized, even from my time in service, it’s love. They served out of love, for you,” said Gordon Colwell, who led the service. “They served out of love for children around the world and delighted in bringing them happiness in states of misery, even if it’s just a little bit.”
Colwell thanked members of 415 Squadron for attending the service.
Stuart Lenthall-Ascott read the honour roll of those who died during the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War. Legion President Brinton Forbes read the first verse of ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon, and cadet Mallory Marshall recited 'In Flanders Fields.'
Anthony Orlando recited a prayer before an offering was collected, and noted that the service was being held on the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people.
Orlando also touched on modern-day threats. “Yet we live in troubled times when lies count as truth and hatred and bigotry assail all who love you,” he said in his prayer. “Our planet is in a crisis the likes of which no human has ever seen. Greed and rampant consumerism have displaced compassion. Let us take up the quarrel with this foe. Let us who have failed throw the torch to our youth. Let them hold it high.”
Also taking part in the service were Chaplain Cathy Batson, Major Paul Blake, Marcia Corneal, Rev. Eugene Foster, and Rev. Deborah Lonergan-Freake.
The 686 Passchendaele Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp posted sentries and took part in the service as well.