By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As November 11th draws nigh, area residents are again being asked to honour Canadian military veterans, including those who served, those who continue to serve and the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for freedom.
That means marking Remembrance Day – by wearing a poppy, attending a ceremony at a local cenotaph, and by pausing for two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.
Rev. John Maroney at Christ Church Anglican in downtown Chatham is urging people to take part in Remembrance Day 2026 and his church is currently looking for volunteers to stand vigil at the King Street Cenotaph as a way to pay their respects.
Leading by example is key, Maroney told The Voice.
“What we do, is we become a living history book,” the pastor said. “We’re not in the pages of a book, we’re out there in the open and kids can ask what it’s about. It’s up to the entire community to tell the story. It’s a very dreadful story you’re telling, there’s nothing glorifying about war.”
Christ Church heads up the vigil, as the church is the “spiritual home” of the storied Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment.
“We’re remembering those who left and those who paid the ultimate price,” Maroney said. “But in the world in which we live, we want nothing but peace. Even by standing there, we’re thinking about peace and about a better world.”
He would like to remind the public to honour those who served beyond Remembrance Day.
“It really should be that it’s not just a one-day affair,” he added. “It should always be at the back of our minds. Most importantly, we should take nothing for granted. Each day is a gift freely given. The sacrifices that were incurred, way back then, we are here because of that. Being able to worship freely, freedom of speech, all of those beautiful things is because of that. To not take anything for granted.”
The first Remembrance Day ceremony took place in Canada in 1921. It was first acknowledged in Europe in 1918, two days after the Armistice – a temporary ceasefire to end the First World War (1914 to 1918) – was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in France. Records show that between 61,000 to 66,000 Canadian died in the conflict.
The Second World War, which raged between 1939 to 1945, mainly in Europe, saw between 42,000 to 45,400 Canadians lose their lives. On May 8, 1945, German forces surrendered unconditionally, however, the war didn’t officially come to an end until that September.
Over at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 in Chatham, volunteers are busy preparing for Remembrance Day.
And while he’s not a veteran himself, legion president Furmin Pigeon, remains devoted to ensuring Canada’s war heroes are not forgotten.
“It’s greatly important especially in today’s society,” Pigeon explained. “We’re losing so many people that know what the meaning of Remembrance Day is. It makes it that much more important to have people out at the cenotaph on Nov. 11, and to pay respects to the people who gave us the life that we enjoy.
“Younger people have to know what went on and what gave them the ability to even just complain about things in general,” Pigeon added. “We see in the news all the time – countries where when you speak up, all of a sudden you disappear.”
In keeping with tradition, veterans will form up at the Chatham Legion at 39 William St. at 10:30 a.m. followed by a parade to the cenotaph for the 11 a.m. ceremony.
“All of Chatham-Kent is more than welcome to join us and pay their respects to the brave men and women who still fight for us today,” Pigeon said.
Anyone interested in taking part in the cenotaph vigil is invited to contact Christ Church at 519-352-1640 between 9 a.m. and noon on weekdays. The church is looking for volunteers on Nov. 10 for one hour time slots during daylight hours and for a short period on Nov. 11.
Ceremonies will also be held at legion branches throughout Chatham-Kent, as well as at Erieau.
