Twenty-six wreaths were set up Sunday at St. Andrew’s-St. James’ Cemetery, ready to be placed at the foot of a cross.
When the ceremony was over, 17 of those wreaths hadn’t been moved.
Decoration Day isn’t what it used to be.
“The organizations that get involved are either gone by the wayside or just don’t want to get involved anymore,” said Rob McCron, of the Royal Canadian Legion in Orillia.
After nine wreaths had been laid by local politicians and representatives of the legion, the Army Navy Air Force and the Orillia Fire Department, McCron asked if there was anyone in attendance from various church congregations or other organizations. He was met with silence.
Decoration Day has happened locally since the 1800s. People used to line up to watch a parade that began downtown and ended at the cemetery, at Coldwater and Fittons roads. Its purpose is to honour not only those who died in military conflict, but also those who served their community in a variety of ways.
“It’s important to recognize the people who’ve done other services, such as firefighters and EMS,” McCron said. “Most people think of remembrance as those who fought for the country. We should also commemorate the people who have lost their lives through their own services.”
Hundreds used to attend. Sunday afternoon, 25 people were there — the majority being dignitaries, legion representatives and firefighters.
“I think we’ve got to go onto social media and spread the word,” McCron said. “It’s not put out to the public like it used to be.”
Some quietly mused about the possibility of this being the last Decoration Day in Orillia. McCron was not one of them.
“Regardless, we’ll be doing it every year,” he said.
Padre Terry Bennett acknowledged the dwindling participation in Decoration Day over the years, but he also spoke about its importance.
“Every one of these gravestones represents a life that meant something to someone,” he said. “In life, in death, we’re all family. We’re all people who care.”
