Feature ArticleNovember 14, 2001
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Service of Remembrance at Mountain Grove and Ardenby David Brison Kingston-based Canadian Forces personnel, under the command of Captain Ken Nodorft, led a parade to the Mountain Grove and Arden Memorials of Sunday. Reverend Barbara Mahood gave both the opening and closing prayers, remembering those who have died in service and asking for guidance in these difficult times.
Wreaths were placed at both Mountain Grove and Arden by Marsden Kirk, representing the Province of Ontario, and Larry McCormick, representing the federal government. Major Ray Plourde, representing Royal Canadian Legion Branch 334 placed a wreath at Mountain Grove, and Captain Steve Plourde at Arden. Irene Wilkes (Silver Cross mothers, wives, widows, and sweethearts), Molly Peckford (Ladies Auxiliary), and students Chad Matson and Calais Baese (Land OLakes Public School) all placed wreaths at both memorials. Charlie Price represented seniors at Mountain Grove, and Joe Crane at Arden.
A contingent from the revitalized scouting movement in Arden and Mountain Grove also placed wreaths; Adam Wood, Gillian Sproule, and Ethan Godfrey laid the wreath at Mountain Grove, and Mark Duarte, Chase Matson, and Kris Newlove at Arden.
Wally Paddick read In Flanders Fields and Private Jane Jerrett answered with A young servicemans reply to Flanders Fields. After first saying that she has never heard a gun fired in anger, but in training only, the reply ends with the words: It is not with failing hands you have passed the torch to us, the younger generation. With strong beliefs in this, we will hold it high. We have not broken faith with those who died. You may sleep in Flanders fields, because you shall never be forgotten.
Peacekeeping medals were presented to: Thomas Edward Swain, an Arden Air Force veteran with 26 years service, for a mission in the mid-east in 1974; to Arden resident Bob Miller, 35 years of service in the Armed Services in communications, for peace keeping duties in the mid-east in 1964; and posthumously to Bill Turner, who was an Air Force navigator with 25 years service, for peace keeping duties in the mid-east in 1961. Captain Turners medal was accepted by his widow, Mrs. Florence Turner.
Following the ceremony, refreshments, featuring moose chili, were served at the Arden Legion Hall.