By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Under overcast skies, the community of Magog gathered on Nov. 11 at Braves Park for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony, marking 106 years since the 1918 armistice. Organized by Branch 128 of the Royal Canadian Legion, the event was a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices made by Canadian veterans.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from the Legion’s representative, who acknowledged the significance of the poppy as a symbol of sacrifice. “This is a moment to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom,” she remarked, setting a reflective tone for the observance.
Following the singing of “O Canada,” Father Vaillancourt led an opening prayer, invoking blessings for those who fell in the line of duty and asking for divine support in the ongoing pursuit of peace. The crowd then observed the solemn Last Post, played by a visiting trumpet player from Vermont, whose performance added an especially poignant note to the moment. This was followed by two minutes of silence, a powerful reminder of the lives lost in service, before the Reveille sounded, symbolizing a call to remembrance and resilience.
An especially moving part of the ceremony was the participation of students from Princess Elizabeth Elementary School. The young children contributed in multiple ways, stepping forward to share heartfelt messages of gratitude and admiration for the veterans in attendance. Each child delivered a brief speech, expressing appreciation for the sacrifices made by past and present service members, with one student noting, “Your courage and resilience are inspiring to us all.” Following these messages, the children presented handcrafted items to the veterans as tokens of appreciation, a gesture that was warmly received by those in attendance.
In a concluding gesture, the children laid poppies at the base of the war monument, each placing their flower with solemnity. This symbolic act of remembrance, coupled with their earlier speeches and gifts, underscored the importance of passing on the values of respect and gratitude to future generations. The children’s involvement in the ceremony added a deeply personal touch, reminding all present of the lasting impact of these sacrifices on young and old alike.
An Act of Remembrance was read aloud, with poignant words echoing, “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,” reminding attendees of the unchanging legacy of those who served. Attendees repeated the phrase, “We will remember them,” affirming a collective commitment to honoring the past.
The laying of wreaths was conducted by dignitaries from various levels of government, with representatives from Canada, Quebec, the city of Magog, and the Sherbrooke Fusiliers placing wreaths at the monument. Local church leaders and Legion members joined them, with additional wreaths offered by community members in attendance.
A closing prayer was delivered that emphasized gratitude and the ongoing work to build a peaceful society. The ceremony concluded with the playing of “God Save the King,” bringing the observance to a close on a note of solemn unity.
