LAURIE WEIR
It was a balmy 12 degrees for the Nov. 11 ceremony in Perth under gunmetal grey skies, as residents honoured those who have gave their lives for freedom – as well as those still fighting.
This year’s Silver Cross Mother was Karen (Moodie) Packer.
Her family has a long history with the Canadian military. Her husband is Warrant Officer (Retired) Len Parker, and her father, Gordon Arthur Moodie, was with the Military Police and was a Korean war veteran.
Karen’s grandfather, Robert Allan Moodie was with the Canadian Expeditionary Force of the First World War, and her great-uncle, Robert’s brother, was Stuart McIntyre Moodie with the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles of the First World War. He was killed in action during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Drummond Street was closed to traffic during the ceremony, as wreaths and crosses were laid at the Great War Memorial.
Warden Steve Fournier read from the list of those who participated in the First World War, while Tay Valley Township Reeve Rob Rainer read the Second World War list of veterans.
The Perth Citizens’ Band performed a couple hymns, as well as the Last Post.
The Perth-Upon-Tay Royal Canadian Legion chaplain Bernie Boucher led the community in prayer, and the always moving poem, In Flanders Fields, was recited by Alfred Von Mirbach.
The ceremony was hosted by legion president, Ivan Cole.
Following the laying of the wreaths and crosses by local dignitaries, and emergency response teams (police, fire, paramedics), the community was invited to do the same.
