It was one of the largest crowds ever for a Remembrance Day ceremony in Owen Sound.
Close to a thousand people gathered around the newly renovated cenotaph stretching out across the 8th Street bridge for today’s memorial.
A number of dignitaries were in attendance — including Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners, MP Larry Miller and MPP Bill Murdoch.
The crowd also included war veterans, soldiers from the Meaford Land Forces Area Training Centre, the Grey Simcoe Foresters and dozens of school children.
World War Two Veteran Arthur Wragg believes it is the biggest crowd he has ever seen for the Owen Sound ceremony in the 40 years he has been in the City.
Wragg does feel people are doing a better job of remembering the sacrifices of men and women who have defended our freedom.
Wragg — who moved from London, England to Owen Sound years ago to be with his brother — is especially pleased to see so many children involved in the ceremony.
Wragg left school at the age of 14 to work in a factory making mortar bombs in London, England.
He then became a fire guard before joining the Navy.
Wragg says he was fortunate to escape the war uninjured but he remembers many of his friends who did not.
Wragg feels it’s important veterans tell their stories but he doesn’t like to talk about it out of fears it sounds like bragging.
Wragg adds the best way to honour our war veterans is by continuing to remember in ceremonies like those held today.