Remembrance Day carried a different weight in Pelham this year.
One hundred years have passed since the start of the first modern war, but the memory of sacrifice sits etched in stone at Peace Park.
Twenty-five men from Pelham Township lost their lives during the four-year war -- 44 in total in the last three major conflicts.
Williams Joyce, Ivan Johnston, George Drake and others went off to defend home, but never got the chance to return and watch their country grow.
“One hundred years ago, they left the quiet fields of Fonthill to engage in the Great War, defending our country,” MPP Tim Hudak said.
Their sacrifice has hit closer to home, as speakers talked about the importance of always standing up for those who have protected and still are in service. They also spoke of the attacks on military personal last month, which killed Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
“They put their lives on the line everyday for our safety,” Niagara West-Glanbrook MP Dean Allison, said of the military.
“These senseless acts of violence will only strengthen our resolve as Canadians. We will never forget the terrible price of war.”
More than 60,000 Canadians lost their lives in in the First World War. Another 40,000 men and women died during the Second World War.
Ceremonies were held in Fenwick, Ridgeville and Fonthill on Sunday. Remembrance Day ceremony were at the Fonthill Legion cenotaph.
