Every year, we take pause and think about the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Remembrance Day is an important event and increasingly so as the numbers of men and women who experienced world wars or other conflicts dwindle with each passing year.
We always take a moment on November 11 to stop and reflect on what we have and what those who fought for us, lost. At the Town we traditionally held a staff ceremony but of course, with pandemic-response and remote-working, employees are instead encouraged to take two minutes of silence at 11am for reflection or watch a ceremony or visit the Legion’s site to learn more.
Lowering the flag to half-mast is another way traditionally used to recognize Remembrance Day. . Currently, all municipal flags have been half-masted since June in recognition of the horrific legacy of residential schools in Canada. In making this decision and continuing to keep the flags lowered, we are following the lead of the Government of Canada (Canadian Heritage branch) -- that flags at Federal Government buildings will remain at half-mast unless the Prime Minister decides otherwise. At the same time, we are consulting with indigenous peoples on meaningful, appropriate and long-term forms of remembrance for the children who did not return home from residential schools. In consultation with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the MCFN flag was raised to half-mast at the Library and Cultural Centre on November 1, 2021
As always, this Remembrance Day, ceremonies will be held at local cenotaphs organized by local chapters of the Royal Canadian Legion. Decisions on raising and lowering flags at these sites rests with the legions.
Thank you to all who served or continue to ensure us the freedoms we enjoy today.
Mayor Rick Bonnette
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