Remembering the fallen
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Beavers Riley McMullen, left, Ethan Pegg, and Bryan Slade stood at attention during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion's branch 547 Sunday. The Beavers also participated in a parade.

Ethan Pegg hardly knows what a rich military tradition his family has.

Several of his relatives fought and served in the Second World War. Now a member of Beavers Canada, the five-year-old is already being exposed to the military from his mother and father. The lightly teach him about his family's past, and the important role his relatives played in winning the war for the Allies.

"We talked about (the war) in Beavers, followed by In Flanders Fields and a moment of silence," said Ethan's father Stuart Pegg, referring to lessons taught in the Beaver program. "We try to do it with interaction, we ask them what they thought about the country they live in, the difference between war and peace and what freedom meant to them. They start to develop their own thoughts as to what that means."

Several hundred people, including many young and energetic families mixed in with the greying faces of veterans, attended Remembrance Day ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion's branch 547 in Belle Ewart Sunday.

Photo by Chris Simon Members of the Royal Canadian Legion's branch 547 hold flags during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Belle Ewart Sunday.

The branch's colour guard marched uniformly in parade, ending at the site's cenotaph.

People listened as The Last Post, O Canada and God Save the Queen played, and bowed their heads for two minutes of silence.

Several dignitaries, veterans and their families laid wreaths.

Each year, more veterans pass away.

So, it's becoming increasingly important for families and young children to remember the sacrifices made by their relatives, says branch president Ed Collins.

"We are losing (Second) World War veterans, they're dying off," he said, standing amongst a loud group of legionnaires, who were laughing and embracing following the ceremony. "Hopefully, we'll be able to carry on an do the work we do, which is very important to the veterans. If we don't keep up this service, this remembrance will fade."

Photo by Chris Simon Several members of the Royal Canadian Legion's branch 547 colour guard took part in a parade during Remembrance Day ceremonies Sunday. Over 100 people attended the service, which took place in Belle Ewart. Remembering the fallen

Branch members have held several events over the past few weeks, in an attempt to raise awareness for their fallen comrades. Each local school has hosted a veteran, to speak about their war experiences. Many students also participated in poster, writing and public speaking contests. About 10,000 poppies are also distributed to students, without a request for donation, at schools throughout the branch district.

"We had a veteran at every school in Innisfil, to do a talk," said Collins. "The children are very knowledgeable, and we must ensure they know why they remember. It's great that the community supports us and they know what it's all about."

The legion also began its annual poppy campaign, to raise money for veteranrelated services like Meals on Wheels, which raises money that is donated for equipment at Royal Victoria Hospital, student bursaries and various veteran assistance programs like Meals on Wheels, the Innisfil Fire and Rescue Service and Sunnybrook Veterans Hospital, he said.

Stuart says it's important to remember past wars, and the people who served in them.

"They can't remember because they weren't there, but they can remember through everybody else," he said. "It's a time where we can give thanks to those who are brave and give the ultimate sacrifice."