Dear Editor:
I’ve been attending the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Fergus cenotaph for more years than I can count.
My father, a veteran, instilled in our family a deep respect for our country and for all who have served, past and present. Each year, I’ve noticed the crowd growing, which is wonderful to see. As our community continues to expand, I expect that trend will continue.
However, with that growth has also come increased traffic, and this year I was saddened by the level of noise that surrounded the ceremony. During what should have been two minutes of silence, all that could be heard was the steady stream of vehicles and transport trucks rumbling past, one after another. It was nearly impossible to hear The Last Post.
I completely understand that not everyone can pause their day, and that people have places to be, but I can’t help but wonder, could traffic not be diverted for just one hour, or even paused for those two minutes of silence, to allow the community to reflect in peace?
A simple solution could be placing a temporary barricade at Albert Street West, diverting traffic past Victoria Park to David Street South, and reconnecting to Highway 6 through town. It’s a small adjustment, once a year, that would mean so much to those gathering to remember.
For the first time ever, I chose to leave the ceremony early and pay my respects at home, where I could reflect in quiet. I truly hope that next year, our community can come together united not just in attendance, but in shared silence and respect.
Tammy Wallace,
Fergus