Jennifer Smith

It was a beautiful day for Milton's Remembrance Day ceremonies today.

I got downtown a bit early and was pleased to see a huge contingent of motorcyclists had turned up for the occasion (motorcycles were originally popularized by returning WWII vets, don't forget). I grabbed some lunch at Country Mile and finished up just as the parade was coming around the corner from the Legion.

After the veterans and dignitaries and service organizations passed by, it was time to follow them down to the cenotaph at Victoria Park. There was a good sized crowd, and it was great to see so many families with kids.

As the names of the fallen were read aloud, it occurred to me that one of the things that continues to make Milton a town is the sense continuity. These are not just random names on a list of the long dead. These are names we know. They are familiar.

Robertson. Denyes. Beaty. Bastedo. Snow. Harrop. Clements. These names and many more engraved on the cenotaph are still known to us from building plaques and street signs, from local businesses and living descendants.

For me, that sense of continuity is the true value of heritage. Knowing that Don Clements still owns his family's commercial building on Main Street. That the Robertson Company is still here. That my former neighbour Ellen Hannant, now passed away after nearly a century long life, still has generations of family here.

All these people have made a lasting mark on our town, but none perhaps as long lasting as those we remembered today.

Harley Owners Group and other riders in town to pay their respects

An impressive display

The parade begins

The colours

Lest We Forget