MIKE ATHEY
BRISTOL Nov. 11, 2020
A small Remembrance Day service took place in Bristol on Nov. 11 to recognize the sacrifice of those who lost their lives while fighting wars for our country.
A group of around 30 residents gathered at the village cenotaph shortly before 11 a.m. to pay their respects. A slight drizzle fell on the participants, many who had arrived with umbrellas.
“We weren’t planning to have a service, but here we are,” said councillor Brian Drummond, who hosted the service from the protection of a small white tent alongside the monument.
Local resident Laird Graham sang and performed O Canada on a keyboard. This was followed by . . .
a recording of The Last Post and a few moments of silence.
Minister Cathy Stewart, of St. Andrew’s Knox Church led a prayer for the fallen. Half-way through the prayer, the rain stopped and the sun began to sneak out from between the clouds.
“We do owe the people who sacrificed a lot of thanks,” she said.
Four wreaths were laid at the cenotaph following a rendition of Amazing Grace sung by John Beardsley and Graham.
The first was placed by Mayor Brent Orr and several councillors. This was followed by Don Moore, representing the St. Andrew’s Knox Church. Wayne Craig and Tracey Moore placed one for the Bristol Fire Department. Randy Russell placed the last one for the Bristol Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Drummond said the wreath ceremony nearly didn’t happen due to COVID-19 measures but after a discussion at Council, they decided to go forward.
“For what people gave up, we owed them the respect and time,” explained Drummond.
The official ceremony ended with a reading by Bill Smith of In Flanders Fields and the singing of God Save The Queen.
Before the group dispersed, Drummond encouraged participants to place their poppies on the cenotaph. People approached in small groups or alone to do so and then took a quiet moment to pause and reflect on the names written on the large stone tablet before making room for someone else.
