Planes flew overhead as horns marked the 11th hour during a Remembrance Day ceremony held at Aamjiwnaang First Nation on Friday.
A small group of community members from across Lambton County gathered at the cenotaph, located on Tashmoo Avenue, to pay their respects to veterans who served the country.
Friday's sombre ceremony was led by United Church Minister and Sarnia Councillor Adam Kilner.
"I'm incredibly honoured to be invited into this community to share leadership and to also learn," he said. "It's absolutely incredible to see just how much support there is and how much respect there is for our veterans."
Kilner said this was his third time leading the service. He previously worked alongside longtime emcee Lt. Col. John William Stewart, who passed away in 2021.
Friday's ceremony began with bagpipes and traditional drumming. Local students also sang the national anthem.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation always holds a service prior to November 11 to allow residents to visit other ceremonies across the county.
"We've had a lot of people come out. Of course, it is a work day for a lot of people but nonetheless, we have quite a few members here today to pay respects to those people who served our country in previous wars and those who currently serve," said Aamjiwnaang Chief Chris Plain.
Plain said although it may be more challenging to get people to attend physical ceremonies, he believes veterans are still held in high regard.
"We open our annual powwow with a veterans song, before even the flag song," he said. "The occasion isn't lost on First Nations people, we understand their contributions to the great wars and other peacekeeping missions."
Members of the Sarnia Legion, Sarnia Police Service, Sarnia Fire Rescue, and different levels of government attended Friday's service.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 will hold a candlelight vigil in Sarnia on Friday evening. A Remembrance Day service will take place in the city on Saturday.
