ABOYNE – The Wellington County Museum and Archives is hosting two events to commemorate those who have fallen in battle, from the First World War to Afghanistan.
The first event was set for Nov. 5 at the museum from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
“It is basically a partnership with all of the Legions and it’s kind of the official Wellington County Remembrance ceremony,” museum programmer Mike McGill told the Advertiser.
Every year museum staff place memorial markers on the front lawn of the museum.
“We have markers based for each township for each of the young men historically who passed away in any of the wars,” McGill said.
The markers include the soldier’s name, age and where they were from. Typically the ceremony takes place in front of the museum building, but it may be moved indoors due to weather, noted McGill.
“Each Legion for each township will read off the roll call for the names of each individual and then we have the bugler do the official call,” he said.
County officials are also slated to share remarks.
“Afterwards there is a reception that’s open to the public … it’s just finger foods and that will be indoors,” McGill added.
The annual candle lighting event is slated for Nov. 10 at 5:30 to 6:30pm.
The event is “essentially a continuation a few days later and it physically involves those markers on the front lawn,” said McGill.
He noted many visitors tend to find family members who served and place a candle at the base of their marker.
“There are hundreds of candles and eventually the front lawn for the whole night is lit,” he said.
The event will run rain or shine due to the candles being electric.
“It’s not long, it’s just solemn and quiet but it’s a beautiful event we have,” McGill added.
“This period of time was so significant on a global scale and still affects us today. We never want anything like that to happen again … and that’s why is it important to remember.”
He added, “When the community can come together and hear the names, I think it humanizes it and makes it tangible.”
