The outpouring of respect and gratitude for Canada’s veterans through the 150-hour vigil at the Chatham cenotaph deserves thanks and recognition says Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope.
Municipal officials say the vigil which began on Sunday at 6 p.m. and will last until just before Saturday’s Remembrance Day ceremony, was initiated by Christ Church and has been embraced by the entire community.
“I’m told we’re the only community in Canada holding this type of event,” Mayor Hope said in a press release.
“It makes me extremely proud of our people. Rev. Mark Sceviour, the volunteers providing refreshments at the church on a round-the-clock basis, scores of people who have been taking three hour shifts and those in the community who support them display the finest ideals of our community.”
Mayor Hope says he believes the vigil should inspire Chatham-Kent citizens to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies across the community Saturday.
Details bout the Wallaceburg, Dresden and Walpole Island ceremonies can be found, here.
Those interesting in participating by participating in the vigil or volunteering at the church can contact Christ Church at 519-352-1640.
– Photo credit: John Tomecek
Slight typo. It started at 6am on the 5th of Nov. Not 6pm. The people of Chatham Kent have really stepped up and showed that they do not forget. #CKKEEPING150