Remembrance Day at Woodstock Cenotaph

November / December issue of What's On Woodstock magazine includes Nov. 11 agenda

By Mark Schadenberg

Both of my parents were children during the Second World War and both immigrated to Canada after that conflict ended.

I don’t often talk about it, but my Dad was an orphan after the war so he decided to start his adult life in southern Ontario – moving from Germany. My Mom grew up in The Netherlands, but has lived here for more than 60 years.

It’s thoughts about World War II, including watching movies such as Saving Private Ryan, that instill in me the feelings of heroes – both wartime survivors and those dying for their country.

Above picture from Legion Branch 55's Facebook page

Attending the Remembrance Day Ceremony annually at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park in Woodstock is just one way to recall the days of yesteryear – to see a parade of wreaths, listen to the benedictions and poems, admire those gathering wearing a poppy as more than just a symbol, standing quietly as the Harvards fly over, listening to the bugle, and looking at the names etched on the memorial to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Oxford County had many war heroes – young adults who lost the opportunity to raise a family and grow old.

As organized by the City Of Woodstock special events department and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 55 and Oxford County Naval Veterans Association, the Remembrance Day ceremony begins on Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. with a solemn wreaths laying and a Colour Party parade. Following the national anthem just before 11 a.m., the event’s official itinerary begins with a moment of silence.

The What’s On Woodstock magazine (November edition) feature on this annual service, notes the presence of veteran Al Badger at the ceremony and the fact the amazing Mr. Badger celebrated his 100^th birthday on Oct. 4.

Be sure to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony of 2022 at the corner of Buller and Graham streets to remember our heroes, including Oxford County’s Tyler Todd who was killed in Afghanistan on April 11, 2010 at the age of 26. Todd, who was killed by a land mine, was a member of the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry unit, grew up in Bright and graduated from Woodstock’s Huron Park Secondary School.

This year in Victoria Park, I will be keeping personal extra thought for another Woodstock story -- also a veteran of Afghanistan (Serving there in 2009) -- who died in March of 2022 at the age of 36. (Yes, in this current calendar year.) He courageously served our country in the Canadian Armed Forces for a dozen years, had trained earlier at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, N.B., had earned the ranking of Master Corporal, and was a father of 3 children. RIP Andrew. 

If you are unable to attend, watch the blessings, the reciting of ‘In Flanders Fields’, and the parade of veterans and dignitaries – to be broadcast on Rogers TV.

Additional items in the What’s On Woodstock magazine November edition include:

Who is Kerry Jarvi and what is her role in Downtown Woodstock?

Quick look at details on the Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 4 and the CP Holiday Train on Nov. 30.

Lighting of Musuem Square for Christmas is set for Nov. 18.

Information on a special promotion for a 2-month South Gate Centre membership.

Safety tips for your household Christmas tree and for carbon monoxide.

Local history looks back at a fire on Christmas Day in 1942.

Dates and times for free public skating in November and December.

What is the High Five program in children’s recreation and leisure

Winter programs at the Woodstock library, art gallery and museum.

A synopsis of Woodstock Transit schedules and the para-transit program.

LINKS:

www/cityofwoodstock.ca

https://www.heartfm.ca/news/local-news/poppy-campaign-underway-in-woodstock/

https://legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy-campaign