Donald Teuma-Castelletti
PORTAGE DU FORT
Nov. 11, 2018
Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 162 organized their second Remembrance Day ceremony for the day of, moving from Grand Calumet Island to Portage du Fort for an afternoon service.
The Portage du Fort ceremony began with a parade from town hall, when CFB Petawawa soldiers marched to the cenotaph on the Ottawa River at 2 p.m.
Once there, traditional respects were paid with the singing of “O Canada,” a prayer read by Rev. Eric Morin, and the “Last Post” performed by Jessica Nilsson.
This ceremony was marked, however, with the appearance of a Howitzer, as operated by six CFB Petawawa soldiers. Firing two volleys, one ahead of the two minutes of silence, and one after, the cannon made a standout touch to the service.
Then, over 25 wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, as Bdr. Nikou Moamai and Bdr. Tyler Sanford assisted those placing them. All the while, Grenadiers Patrick Bird, Ryan Chow, Spencer Cook, and Sam Thompson stood guard at the monument.
Following the service, Portage du Fort Mayor Lynne Cameron read aloud the names of soldiers listed on the town’s cenotaph, for their service in the First World War.
“These men we honour today, and also those whose names are on our cenotaph from the Second World War, the Korean War, and we honour all those who stand guard today,” she said.
