On Sunday, November 11, 2012 I attended a moving service at Gays River United Church. Inside the church candles were burning in remembrance of those who served and lost their lives defending our country. After the church service a procession led by Lori Crocker, Diaconal Minister, made its way to the cenotaph at the end of the driveway.

Readings by Lori and children from the local scouting groups made for a powerful start to our time of remembrance. The Last Post was played and a moment of silence observed. Lori read the names of all the local men who lost their lives in the wars. So many young lives lost. Wreaths and poppy clad crosses were placed by community groups as follows: First Gays River Scouts; First Gays River Cubs; First Gays River Beavers; First Lantz Scouts; First Lantz Beavers; the RCMP; Veteran - Bill Preeper; Govt. of Nova Scotia; Cooks Brook Fire Dept.; Ettingers Funeral Home; Ruby Bent placing a wreath for Albert Killen; Middle Musquodobit Lions Club; Milford/Lantz United Church; Gays River United Church.

To all our veterans my personal thanks for your supreme gift.

On a personal note: my grandfather served as a Marine in WWI and my father in the navy during WW2. I am forever grateful to have grown up in England and now to live in the free and strong country of Canada.

We remember.