Islanders in Hunter River congregated at Central Queens United Church over the weekend to pay tribute to veterans in anticipation of Remembrance Day. The service featured the assistance of Sunday school children who reverently placed white crosses, symbolizing local veterans, into the ground. Each cross bore the name of a veteran being honored, adorned with a red poppy at its center.
Jayde Doucette, one of the young participants, expressed the significance of honoring those who have served in the military. She described the poppies as a poignant symbol of remembrance. Among the attendees was veteran Verner Smitheram, who shared personal connections to Remembrance Day through his family’s history of military service and sacrifice.
Reflecting on past conflicts and the sacrifices made by his family members, Smitheram emphasized the importance of passing on the tradition of remembrance to younger generations. Bernie Dykerman, a church official, highlighted the educational aspect of the project initiated a decade ago to teach children about historical events and foster gratitude for the freedoms secured by past generations.
Dykerman stressed the need to instill in future generations an appreciation for the sacrifices made by soldiers to protect the freedoms enjoyed today. He noted the significance of the church service against the backdrop of current global challenges, emphasizing the importance of not taking societal freedoms for granted.