Remembrance Day reflections from the service in Schomberg
By Kathy Patterson

King City

Dreary day, cool, rainy, full parking lots, lonely cenotaph, bustling people, crowded, warm upstairs room in arena, hushed atmosphere, straining to hear, families, young and old alike standing quietly, beautiful children, trying to be patient, jostling babies, twin babies smiling at the neighbours, older children helping to get bottles to settle them, adolescent girl watching her mother quietly recite In Flander's Fields as it was being read - first embarrassed and then impressed and proud of her mom, presentation of wreaths, the bowed head of a young hockey player, flags - worn over time, the presence of an American flag, poppies on lapels and some on the floor which were quickly retrieved, uniforms, salutes, medals, Girl Guides presenting veterans with a token of thanks, community friends and neighbours clapping, calling out names if not on the list, ensuring recognition, hauntingly beautiful trumpet playing, Amazing Grace sung acapella by a lovely young

girl, representation from the mayor, politicians, service groups, sports groups, Scouts and Girl Guides, churches, the Agricultural Fair and its attractive and gracious ambassador, tears being wiped, prayers, poems, scripture reading, O Canada sung, then sandwiches, coffee, hot dogs and smiles, conversations, encouragement, laughter, thankfulness.

Community in action.

Freedom to gather, to remember, to speak, to praise, to worship.

For this we are thankful. We will not forget.