Grand Deputy Chief Chris Plain at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day ceremony, November 8, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Grand Deputy Chief Chris Plain at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day ceremony, November 8, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)
Sarnia

Aamjiwnaang honours veterans during Remembrance Day ceremony

Local dignitaries and community members bundled up for the Remembrance Day ceremony held at Aamjiwnaang First Nation Friday.

Bagpipes and traditional drumming marked the 11th hour at the cenotaph, located on Tashmoo Avenue.

The ceremony was led by United Church Minister and Sarnia City Councillor Adam Kilner.

He said it is always an incredible honour to be invited to the ceremony to lead the service.

"When I look at each face gathered here in respect, in awe, I celebrate. My spirit is filled, you remember the traditions of our past," Kilner said. "We continue to remember the many who have gone before us, the many who continue to serve." 

Adam Kilner at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day ceremony (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Adam Kilner at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day ceremony (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)

This is the fourth year Kilner led the service.

Local students also started the ceremony by singing the national anthem.

The ceremony recognized those from Aamjiwnaang First Nation who served for Canada.

"To be able to have some of their descendants here with us has been really nice," said Aamjiwnaang Chief Janelle Nahmabin.

The community lost its last Second World War veteran in 2015, 94-year-old Stanley Jackson.

Nahmabin said it is important to gather for events like the ceremony.

"It makes me feel great knowing that we can all come together and recognize and acknowledge veterans of the past and remember them today and bring that mindset in the togetherness and unity of recognizing that past and honouring it together," she said.

Chief Janelle Nahmabin putting a poppy on the cross during the Aamjiwnaang First Nation Remembrance Day ceremony, November 8, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media) Chief Janelle Nahmabin putting a poppy on the cross during the Aamjiwnaang First Nation Remembrance Day ceremony, November 8, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)

Members of the Sarnia Legion, Sarnia Police Service, Sarnia Fire Rescue and different governments attended the service.

Flags and bagpipers at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day Ceremony (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/Blackburn Media) Flags and bagpipers at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day Ceremony (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/Blackburn Media)

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 will host a candlelight vigil on Sunday at 7 p.m. Front Street will be closed from George Street to Derby Lane from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the event.

On Monday, groups will gather at the Legion where the colour party will leave at 10:30 a.m. for its customary march through the downtown to Veterans Park.

Sarnia's Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at the cenotaph there at 11 a.m.

The cross full of poppies for Remembrance Day, November 8, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)The cross full of poppies for Remembrance Day, November 8, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Mayor Mike Bradley putting a poppy on a cross at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day ceremony (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Mayor Mike Bradley putting a poppy on a cross at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day ceremony (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Bagpipers at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day Ceremony (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Bagpipers at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day Ceremony (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Sarnia Police at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day ceremony, November 8, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Sarnia Police at the Aamjiwnaang Remembrance Day ceremony, November 8, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)

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