The Huntsville 844 Norseman Air Cadets took their places on Saturday evening for an event the organization has been participating in for approximately 32 years—an overnight vigil at the cenotaph next to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232.
“It’s an activity that we do to show our respect and thanks,” said Capt. Pat Wilton. “(Soldiers) have given so much of themselves so we could have the life that we do.”
Each year, the vigil begins on the evening of November 10 and continues through the Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 11th with the cadets standing still and silent out of respect for fallen soldiers, family members here and gone, and locals who have served or will one day serve.
In groups of four, the cadets, along with other veterans and volunteers, rotate through 30-45 minute shifts, standing guard through the night no matter the weather. “It has rained on us, it has snowed on us. It’s cold out there tonight, but this is important,” said Wilton.
The winter temperatures of this past weekend, with heavy snow squalls earlier in the day Saturday followed by clear skies in the evening, had the young men and women geared up with long-johns, extra socks and parkas while on guard.
Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2) Emily Cain has participated in five overnight vigils. “It is important to remember veterans and fallen soldiers because they fought for us and gave us our freedom,” she says.
Flight Corporal (Fcpl) Carson Turney added, “A lot of people never made it home. We can never thank them in person, but we can do this for them and for their families.”
During the vigil, people are welcome to visit the cenotaph and take a moment to reflect on its significance and to take photos, and there were many locals doing just that throughout the night. The cadets and other volunteers appreciate the community support.
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Thanks, Dawn! I’ll try to pay more attention this year. My apologies to whomever has been doing the organizing. BTW, Matt was terrific in “Absent Friends”.
Hi Rob, There is indeed a local ceremony. We haven’t received details for this year, but you can read about the 2017 ceremony here: https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/national-day-or-remembrance-and-action-of-violence-against-women/
I certainly echo the comments of your other readers, and the feelings of all. But not to detract from these ceremonies whatsoever, I wonder why (with all these very fine women’s groups in town), nobody ever organizes a candlelight vigil on December 6th? I quite realize that it’s been a long time (29 years?); but it was another event which should never be forgotten. The deaths of 14 young ladies and Marc Lapine should be always be remembered. When I lived in a small town, I organized a simple ceremony annually, but since moving to Huntsville, I remember privately.
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Surely a short non-religious ceremony would be possible; with 15 names read out (and any religious leader or any individual) expressing their personal feelings, would be possible.
What a fine thing for these young people to do. The commitment shown by the Cadets over the years is to be commended. Congratulations and thank you for remembering.
I was very proud of these young people. I’m sure their parents must be pleased also. It was cold and dark and they did a wonderful job. Hardly a sound in the early hours of the morning.