Veterans, led by the Legion Colour Guard and the P.E.I. Regiment Band, marched in to a standing ovation from the gathering.
The keynote address was delivered by Three Oaks Senior High student Noah Richardson.
Richarson challenged those in attendance to hounor veterans in their every day life.
“I challenge all of you as you go about your busy lives, in your homes, workplaces, and schools, to honour those who have sacrificed their lives for us,” he said.
Richardson pointed out the many in attendance at Credit Union Place and the many generations of Canadians that were represented there, and encouraged young people in the community to remember.
“Take a look around you,” he said. “Gathered here today are many generations. There are children here. There are youth here. We are listening.”
The city offered the space inside Eastlink Arena free of charge this year, with Legion branch members voting unanimously in favour of the move from the cenotaph at Memorial Square. Inclement weather in past years often made it difficult to get all senior veterans to the ceremony.
The Summerside Legion counts about 60 to 80 veterans of the Second World War and Korean War as members.
Last year, poor weather forced the ceremony to move inside Trinity United Church, but some in the large crowd had to stand outside, while others simply went home.
There were no such problems this Nov. 11 with the capacity of Credit Union Place.
“Gathered here today are many generations. There are children here. There are youth here. We are listening.” - Noah Richardson
Richardson pointed out that ceremonies were held in schools across the Island last week to honour veterans. He also recalled that students have travelled to places like Vimy Ridge to see first hand the place where Canadian soldiers fought and died to preserve peace. They have heard the stories and are keeping the memory alive.
Richardson said there is a correlation between the roles the veterans have played in the past, and the violence and bullying that is so prevalent in society today.
He said the veterans have sent a message that needs to be heard today.
“If we continue to ignore the violence, the bullying and prejudice taking place in our own neighbourhoods, in our own schools, what have we learned from our veterans?” he asked. “Today, the torch is in our hands. It is our duty to continue to spread acceptance and tolerance around the world. Remembrance Day needs to be more than just an annual event. It needs to be a worldwide movement for change.”
Richardson said remembrance is not an act - it’s a duty.
“We must not forget these men and women.”
See the Journal Pioneer's print edition on Monday more on Remembrance Day in Prince County.
mcarson@journalpioneer.com
