Community members from Rama First Nation and the surrounding area gathered at the John Snake Memorial Grounds on Wednesday morning ahead of Remembrance Day to honour local veterans and the sacrifices they made.
Officials from the Rama fire department, Rama police department, local paramedics, military paraded alongside local dignitaries as they walked from the Rama MASK to the event grounds under a clear blue sunny sky.
Wreaths were laid by members of the Orillia branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School (MKES), and members of provincial and local governments to honour the community's fallen soldiers.
Canadian Armed Forces veteran Rick Crouch was on hand for Wednesday’s service. He served in the military from 1962-67 and is a current member of the Legion.
“It’s important to be here in Rama today to help represent the Indigenous people. We definitely respect and appreciate everything here and what it stands for,” he said.
“We are here to remember and honour those who have served our country.”
MKES choir member Chase Notanosh joined his classmates in the singing of O Canada and God Save the Queen during the service; he was also selected to lay a wreath on behalf of his classmates.
“It’s important to me and my classmates to celebrate and honour all the people who were lost while fighting for our country,” he said.
“In class, we’ve been talking about Remembrance Day a lot and I like learning about it. It’s pretty cool.”
Rama Assistant Fire Chief James Simcoe, the primary organizer of Wednesday's event, says the Rama service always takes place a day or two earlier than the Orillia service so that veterans and Legion members can attend both services.
“Nobody here in Rama has ever forgotten,” he said. “We couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day, and I’m proud of our community for making this happen today.
Chief of Rama First Nation, Ted Williams, says despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was important for in-person ceremonies to resume in a safe manner.
“Veterans of Rama contributed to our country, so it’s important to have this ceremony every year. We cannot forget,” he said.
“It’s important to have our allies from Orillia and area here. It’s great to see (Orillia) Mayor (Steve) Clarke and (Severn) Mayor (Mike) Burkett here, as well as Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, and Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers," said Williams.
Remembrance Day holds a special meaning for Williams as his father was a veteran.
“Because of him, it’s important for me to do my part as a community leader to lead our community in remembrance of our fallen and contributing veterans.”
