NORTH PRESTON, N.S. – It was an emotional day for many in the community of North Preston as they gathered to pay their respects on Remembrance Day.
This is only the third year that a ceremony has been held at the cenotaph, which is a recent addition to the area. An addition that not only bears the names of the brave men and women who have served our country, but reminds the community never to forget their sacrifice, and honour the fallen.
A sentiment that’s close to the hearts for veterans.
“I’ve served over in Cyprus, and different other places, to remember those comrades that served and died for us,” says Retired Captain Mark Johnson.
“Both my parents were overseas during WW2 and they met on a troop train coming back to BC in the mountains,” Bob Bailey tells Global News. Bailey and his family came from British Columbia to be in North Preston today, and focus on their daughter.
“Our daughter is a captain in the Air Force and son-in-law is a Major in the army, and we’re here. Remembrance days is a day to remember we have a phenomenal country and we have it because of the sacrifice of people that made to give us these freedoms and rights,” he says.
The idea for a cenotaph came from Retired Captain Mark Johnson’s father. He worked for years to make the project possible, and carry on his father’s wishes.
“We do have community members that served in World War One, Two, and the Korean War. My dad, Arnold Johnson, he served in world war two” he says.
Included in today’s ceremony was a prayer for the fallen members of the Moncton RCMP and their families. This was the largest turn-out the community of North Preston has seen at a Remembrance Day service. People of all ages came out, many with their children.
“So they can learn, and know what took place, years gone by, it’s our history and it’s a goof time to reflect on things, so that’s why I wanted them to know,” says Lenora Downey.
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