Donald Teuma-Castelletti
QUYON Nov. 4, 2018
With soldiers standing guard at the cenotaph, over 40 wreaths laid, and many more guests joining the group for the service, the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 231 paid tribute to all those who’ve served in defence of the country at their Remembrance Day ceremonies in Quyon.
Paying special attention to the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the Quyon Legion continued their tradition of holding a parade with the Highland Mist Pipe Band from their hall to the cenotaph, before starting the actual service at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“November 11, 1918 was a day of great celebration and relief but also a day for feelings of profound loss and grief,” said Cal Cummings Jr., a past president of the branch and the service’s emcee. “In our country and many others, people were left with a yearning to remember those who had fought and died. The following year saw the marking of the first Armistice Day and over time, Nov. 11 came to be known as Remembrance Day, a time for us to pause to honour all those who had served and died in the cause of peace and freedom.”
During this service, Wendy Desabrais sang “O Canada” and two priests led the group in prayer – Father Christian Kakula at the beginning and Minister Éric Hébert-Daly at the end.
As well, the group was asked to remember Phyllis Grant during the moment of silence, who passed this year.
The placing of the wreaths began with the Silver Cross Mother, Mary Brouse, and followed by many other community members, all escorted to the cenotaph by Canadian Armed Forces member Robert Casipe.
On hand from CFB Petawawa to help with the ceremony were Sappers Thomas McNamara and Nayara Sa, who raised the flags, and Sapper George Gubarev, Corporal Steven Johnston, Sapper Sam Sergeant, and Sapper Jacob Yule, who stood guard at the cenotaph.
After everything had wrapped up, all attendants were invited back to the Legion to enjoy a lunch and refreshments, as prepared by many volunteers.
Past president of the Legion and Remembrance Day service organizer Darlene Morris-Fraser said that as the 100th anniversary mark is surpassed, it’s more important than ever to keep the memory of all past wars in mind. It’s important to teach young and old, she added, by catering to the needs of different age groups in school and at home.
“That’s why we’re here, to do that,” said Morris-Fraser, on educating the public. “That’s our job to serve and keep [the memory] going.”
She wanted to extend thanks to all those involved with the ceremony, and especially Cummings Jr. for his continued role as emcee of the service.
Branch 231 President Lyle Fraser echoed the sentiment, also highlighting the beautiful weather their ceremony received this year.
“The tradition continues, and will continue,” he said. “It’s our raison d’être.”