On Monday, November 11, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum held a poignant Remembrance Day ceremony to honour and remember the valiant men and women who have served our nation. The solemn event was hosted by David Pridham and Rev. Douglas Mitchell, bringing together veterans, military personnel, and members of the community to pay tribute to the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

The ceremony commenced with the Presentation of the Colours by veterans and members of the CWHM, led by Gord Black, Pipe Major of the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band. This dignified act set the tone for a day of reflection and gratitude.

David Rohrer, Chairman of the Board of Directors at CWHM, warmly welcomed attendees with heartfelt greetings, underscoring the significance of this day of remembrance.

At the solemn hour of 11:00 AM, a two-minute silence was observed. The silence was respectfully broken at 11:02 AM by a breathtaking flyover by the Avro Lancaster, piloted by Leon Evans and co-piloted by Chris Rekiel, along with the B-25 Mitchell, piloted by Mark Bailey and co-piloted by Liam Pearson. This powerful moment served as a tribute to those who have given their lives in service to their country.

The guest speaker, Brigadier-General R.G. Deming, OMM, CD Director General Air and Space Readiness, delivered an inspiring speech. He emphasized, “Remember the past, but we must also focus on the future. The peace and freedom that we enjoy today is fragile. It was bought at great cost. Please thank a veteran, thank them for their commitment, their sacrifice, for the many freedoms that we take for granted. As we wear our poppies and observe a moment of silence, let us remember not only those who stood in battle but those who stood strong at home. Their sacrifices are woven into the fabric of our nation and they deserve the deepest respect.”

The ceremony saw the attendance of many veterans, including ten who served in WWII, with a few remarkable individuals over 100 years old and others who recently reached this milestone. This year’s service honoured those who served across all major conflicts and peacekeeping missions, from WWII to more recent operations in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq, as well as in alliances such as NORAD and NATO. Members of the Canadian Forces, both regular and reserve, and veterans from a range of missions were acknowledged for their dedication and sacrifice.

A special thank you is extended to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, its dedicated staff, volunteers, and all those involved in organizing the day’s service, ensuring each detail was handled with care and respect. Their efforts made the ceremony a meaningful occasion, enabling the community to come together in honour and reflection.

As the event drew to a close, thoughts turned to those who continue to serve and to their families who share in the sacrifices made. Our eternal gratitude goes to all veterans for their service, today and every day. Their courage and sacrifice are woven into the fabric of our nation, securing the freedom we hold dear.

Lest we forget; we will remember them!

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