Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Two quite different Remembrance Day observations were held earlier this week, ahead of the annual ceremonies at the town cenotaph.
GAAWIIN KA-NENMAASIINAANIK - This phrase, which translates to “We will not forget them,” is used by the Anishinabek Nation (the political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario, including the Williams Treaties Nations) for Remembrance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day tributes. Here, Rev. Karen Croxall looks on as Mim Harder and Dianne Green lay a wreath at the Uxbridge cenotaph as part of the Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony held at the cenotaph on Sunday. Photo by John Cavers
On Sunday morning, members of the area's Indigenous peoples gathered at the cenotaph to mark the contributions and sacrifices made by Indigenous members of Canada's armed forces. Led by Rev. Karen Croxall, who invited the two dozen or so people in attendance to gather closer together, the ceremony included such traditional Remembrance Day moments as a lone piper (Jamie Amundsen) playing Amazing Grace and the laying of wreaths.
But the gathering, which is growing in size each year, also heard about the good and bad moments experienced by Indigenous soldiers before and after the wars.
At the end of the ceremony, the gathering, which included town council, was invited to take pinches of tobacco from a small pouch and sprinkle them over the wreaths.
The ceremony lasted about half an hour and was held despite the ongoing passage of traffic at the cenotaph.
On Tuesday, a much different observance was held at Uxbridge Secondary School. The high school gymnasium was packed with students and visitors, with a number of students assigned to be aides to veterans on hand for the occasion.
The 75-minute ceremony began with the Highland Creek Pipe Band leading the fire department colour party and various dignitaries into the hall.
Much of the event focused on Canadian service in Afghanistan, with students reading tributes to several local veterans. USS music director Amy Peck delivered a tribute to her brother, Jeff, who served in Afghanistan and still serves in the forces. Jeff Peck spoke about his experiences in Afghanistan and at times appeared to become emotional.