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Poor weather doesn’t keep away Remembrance Day crowd

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Around 200 people gathered around the cenotaph in Delhi to take part in the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

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Led by Padre Debra Hinksman, the ceremony included the national anthem, a reading of In Flanders Fields, An Act of Remembrance, playing of Last Post, followed by a two-minute silence.

Nearly 40 wreaths were laid in front of the cenotaph in Delhi after the moment of silence.

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“It shows that the interest is still there,” Hinsman said regarding the large turnout in the bad weather. “There were a lot more kids than I remember from last year, too. That was wonderful.”

Hinsman felt encouraged by the overall turnout, but saddened with the dwindling number of veterans.

“I notice every year how few veterans there are, and I find that very sad,” said Hinksman. “It’s just a sadness knowing that we’re losing our veterans.”

Hinksman plans on celebrating peacekeepers and the diversity of everyone that has served in next year’s ceremony.

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“I’d love to see people who are still serving in any capacity be part of the reading to share their experiences,” she said.

BrendaLee Smiley, a member of the Delhi branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, had tears in her eyes thinking about the ceremony.

“I feel the way I do every year, very emotional, very caring, and honoured to stand there for them,” said Smiley.

Before attending the Legion’s ceremony, Smiley went to Delhi Public School’s Remembrance Day assembly.

“The kids really impressed me, it brought me to tears,” she said. “I have a passion for this; it means a lot to me.”

Smiley’s father-in-law and all of her uncles served in multiple wars, she was honoured to be able to represent them at the events held on Monday.

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