Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #37, the nation's largest veterans and community support organization, gathered at the cenotaph in front of the Sidney Town Hall on Wednesday (May 8) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day.
The sombre event honoured the sacrifices of Canadians and Allied soldiers who fought tirelessly to secure the surrender of German forces in the Second World War, which culminated with the acceptance of their surrender in the Netherlands on May 5, 1945.
Three days later, on May 8, 1945, V-E Day was officially declared, signalling the end of the war in Europe.
A small but respectful crowd of approximately 15 people paused their Wednesday morning to witness a simple wreath-laying ceremony, which commenced at 10:45 a.m.
The mournful yet uplifting sound of bagpipes playing Amazing Grace filled the air, creating a poignant atmosphere of remembrance and gratitude.
Sidney councillor Scott Garnett was among those who stopped to pay their respects. He shared a personal connection to the day, recounting the impact of meeting a Second World War veteran through his father, who served in the Air Force.
"I was fortunate enough to meet a gentleman who had served in the Second World War and to hear the stories," Garnett said. "I always make sure I take time for events like this because I want to keep them and their memories alive."
Garnett became visibly emotional as he recalled the sacrifices and enduring struggles faced by the veteran he met, who returned home with injuries that left him forever changed.
"It's really important that these things are done because otherwise the youth will not know," he emphasized. "We need to make sure that this chapter in history, however dark and horrific, is remembered and shared with our youth so that this will never happen again."
Legion president Ryan Trelford hung a fresh wreath at the cenotaph. He reflected on the dwindling number of veterans from that era.
"I think one of the big, significant pieces is that we don't really have many of our veterans left from that period," he noted.
Trelford highlighted the Legion's very small group of surviving Second World War veterans, all centenarians.
"I'm 29, and these fellows gave so much, at an even younger age, to ensure I live in a safe country," Trelford remarked. "I'm so thankful for that as a young Canadian, as a citizen, someone who's engaged in the community, and I try to give back as much as I can through volunteer work at the Legion."
Rev. Erik Trovall, chaplain for the Sidney Legion branch, also attended the ceremony and shared his thoughts on the significance of V-E Day.
"Given some of the instabilities that are going on in the world, today reminds us to be grateful and to be proactive in preserving some of these institutions that came out of the lessons we learned in the Second World War," he said.
Kenny Podmore, the Legion's first vice president, proudly wearing his decorated uniform, delivered a powerful recitation of John McCrae's In Flanders Fields in his commanding town crier voice, paying tribute to those who fought and died in service.
He concluded with the poem's poignant closing lines: "If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders field."
