A capacity crowd filled Sarnia Arena Sunday for the historic 2018 Remembrance Day Service that marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1.
More than two thousand people gathered in the rink while others stood and listened in the lobby.
An exact replica of the Sarnia Cenotaph was carefully crafted for the service by students at St. Patrick's High School -- under the watchful eye of their teacher Matt Abbott -- and placed inside the arena on Brock Street.
Sarnia's service was held indoors for the first time to eliminate any potential for the historic armistice anniversary to be hampered by bad weather.
Deacon Chuck Stevens offered prayers and addressed the crowd.
"We pause to reflect in thanks on this day, in this moment, that so many of that generation gave their all so that we could enjoy living in freedom in one of the grandest countries in the world," said Stevens. "This is not a day for triumphant celebration, it's not a day for political posturing, and it's certainly not a day for misguided protest. This day is a day for sober reflection, and a day for profound thanksgiving for the gift of peace that we have been bequeathed."
Stevens said each one of us must pledge to do everything in our power to preserve that fragile and precious gift and to never forget those who left that gift to us.
Veterans, various dignitaries and citizens took part -- laying over 100 wreaths -- both inside the arena and at a smaller wreath laying service at the Cenotaph off Wellington Street as parade participants marched by.
-With files from Dave Dentinger
