On a quiet little street in the tiny hamlet of Lenore, Canadians honoured our military this past Sunday, on Decoration Day.
Despite a cool, breezy morning on June 2, WWII Veteran Sir Jack Houston of the XII Manitoba Dragoons was present to lay a wreath of remembrance at the war memorial, which gleamed in bright sunshine.
Master of Ceremonies Zone Commander Comrade Mike Ramsden guided the service.
Sgt. At Arms Comrade Kelvon Smith led the colour party made up of members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Virden Branch, Ladies Auxiliary, and RCL Elkhorn Branch.
Kenton Branch Ladies Auxiliary provided lunch following the ceremony.
This military ceremony pre-dating Remembrance Day started at the end of the 19th century to honour the nine Canadian casualties and other veterans of the Battle of Ridgeway.
Ridgeway, fought in 1866 near the town of Fort Erie (Ont.) was the first industrial era battle where Canadians fought back against Fenian raiders from across the Niagara River.
These armed incursions into Canada between 1866 and 1871 were intended to seize and hold Canadian territory hostage in return for Irish independence(Canadian Encyclopedia).
