Markham District Veterans Association pays tribute to sacrifice, courage

Moving invitation-only Remembrance Day ceremony at Veterans Square Nov. 6

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 10, 2021
Heidi Reidner

Veterans and their families gathered at the Markham Cenotaph at an invitation-only ceremony Saturday, Nov. 6 to pay tribute to the fallen and to all who have served their country.

“Remembrance Day honours and remembers all who sacrificed or who have fallen for our country, and acknowledges the courage of those who still serve,” said Markham District Veterans Association (MDVA) Sgt. At Arms Larry Lau.

The City of Markham granted the MDVA special permission for its Remembrance Day ceremony at Veterans Square, located at Markham Road and Highway 7.

The moving ceremony included a reading of “In Flanders Fields,” playing of “The Last Post,” the laying of wreaths, and silent remembrance.

Due to the pandemic, services being held by legions and veterans’ associations across the region are by invitation only for veterans.

The city will mark Remembrance Day Nov. 11 virtually for the second year in a row in order to protect veterans and community members from COVID-19.

To provide time to reflect and space to participate safely, the community is invited to place a poppy and pay their respects at Markham’s memorial sites up to and including Nov. 13 during Remembrance Week.