On a chilly November 11 morning, a moderate crowd gathered around the cenotaph on Niverville’s Main Street to pay homage to those who fought for our freedom and those who have served to bring and maintain the peace since the great World Wars.
This year’s event was scaled back from previous years, but the act of remembrance was no less meaningful.
The many elements that have come to characterize Niverville’s annual ceremony were all there, from the playing of Terry Kelly’s A Pittance of Time to Melanie Bergen’s rendition of the war time hit We’ll Meet Again.
Military veteran Wes Bonkowski officiated the ceremony. MLA Ron Schuler, mayor Myron Dyck, and Craig Tomlinson, executive assistant to MP Ted Falk, were among the dignitaries to lay wreaths.
At 11:00 a.m., the flags on either side of the cenotaph were lowered to half-mast while the crowd observed a minute of silent reverence.
Brothers Donald and Jeff Stott flanked the cenotaph for the flag lowering. They, along with their siblings, children, and grandchildren, mark three generations of Canadians to have experienced the peace that was purchased through sacrifices made by their father Jack Stott, who served in WWII, and grandfather David Stott, who served in WWI.
For Jeff Stott, today’s ceremony held special meaning. As he lowered his flag, Stott noticed that a gust of wind picked up just in time to untangle the flags and make them appear to stand at attention. At the same time, he laid eyes on a bald eagle soaring directly overhead.
Even the wintry bite in the air held some symbolism for Stott.
“[There was] just enough chill to cause a shiver of discomfort,” Stott says. “Imagine being in a bomber over a strange land or crawling in a trench expecting who knows what.”
In light of what so many have endured to ensure our peace and freedom, Stott concludes, the act of remembering should never be too comfortable.
