Kent Hehr, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs, attended the Hudson Legion Branch 115 Remembrance Day Sunday. (Photos Kristina Edson)
Veterans from he Hudson Legion Branch 115 attended the ceremony.
Members of local scouting groups placed wreaths at the base of the Hudson cenotaph.
Annual Legion parade moving
The Hudson Legion Branch 115 commemorated Remembrance Day Sunday during an annual parade and wreath laying ceremony that was attended by hundreds of visitors, including one very special guest: Kent Hehr, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs. The Calgary born veteran’s minister, who has been wheelchair bound since becoming paralyzed following a random shooting incident when he was 21-years-old, was gregarious and friendly with those lining Hudson’s Main Rd. Veering from one side of the street to the other, Hehr rolled up to spectators to warmly shake hands, engage in conversation and thank them. “I know we all live such busy lives these days, so thanks so much for taking the time to come out today,” he told a group of college kids. A moving ceremony in front of the Hudson cenotaph followed the parade. Father Roland Demers from the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish gave the opening benediction, while Vaudreuil-Soulanges Liberal MP Peter Schiefke, who had invited Hehr, also spoke. A wreath laying ceremony followed a moment of silence. Soulanges MNA Lucie Charlebois and Vaudreuil MNA Marie-Claude Nichols each placed wreaths at the cenotaph, as did representatives from the towns of Hudson, Saint Lazare and Rigaud. In addition, many community groups, churches and organizations recognized Canada’s veterans of wars in Europe, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Guests were invited into the legion hall for snacks and coffee following the event.
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