Hundreds gathered in Windsor on Wednesday to honour those who served and sacrificed for their country, as the city marked Remembrance Day with a solemn ceremony. Among those paying tribute was David Farron, who brought a framed photograph of his father, James, and his military medals. “This is my dad, James Farron,” he said, proudly showing off the photograph taken shortly before his father left for war. A father’s legacy James Farron was a pharmacist on Ottawa Street before joining the military during World War II. David says the photograph was taken in 1940, shortly after his brother, Teddy, was born and just before his father was sent overseas. James served in the infantry and helped liberate the Netherlands from German occupation. He later joined the Canadian Dental Corps, serving in London before returning home in 1945. But David says his father rarely spoke about his wartime experiences. Years later, he discovered a collection of photographs his father had hidden away, including disturbing images of soldiers killed during the liberation of Holland. “He had kind of hidden them, but I found them and I went through them, and I couldn’t believe,” he recalled. David visited the Netherlands in 1968 and witnessed firsthand the lasting gratitude for Canadian soldiers. Wearing a Canadian flag on his shoulder, he recalled people refusing to let him pay. Honouring those who served For retired Lt.-Col. Maurice Brause, Remembrance Day is about recognizing the sacrifices of generations of Canadians, including those who returned home carrying the physical and emotional scars of war. Brause served more than 40 years in the military, including in Afghanistan, where he was badly injured. He later commanded the garrison in Windsor before retiring in 2014. “I think it’s important that we always remember, the people that have gone before us and are currently serving and will serve this country,” he said. “Some gave their supreme sacrifice; others have come back injured. Whether it’s physical or mental, I think it’s important that we do.” Originally from Saskatchewan, Brause said Windsor has become home, and he’s grateful for the support the community continues to show its veterans. “I’ve served across Canada, and the unions here have done more support for veterans than I’ve ever seen anywhere else,” he said. “I’m just so proud of this community.” Passing remembrance to a new generation Wednesday’s ceremony also brought together people of all ages, including elementary school students, learning about the sacrifices made by those who came before them. 10-year-old Zane Sloftra said attending the ceremony made him want to remember and respect those who lost their lives. Asked what he would say to fallen soldiers, his answer was simple. “Thank you for protecting us. And we’re sorry that you lost your life.” It’s a sentiment shared by Farron, who said he’s encouraged to see so many people continue to honour the sacrifices made by his father’s generation. “It’s wonderful. It gets better every year,” he said. Asked why it’s so important to keep remembering, Farron offered a simple answer. “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.” More photos from the ceremony are available in CTV Windsor’s photo galleries.
