Veterans, community members, dignitaries and representatives from across the region gathered Sunday, November 8, 2026, as Alderville First Nation held its annual Armistice Service to honour those who served and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The ceremony began at 12:30 p.m. with the Cobourg Legion Pipes & Drums leading a procession from the Alderville Community Centre south along County Road 45 to the Cenotaph at the corner of County Road 45 and 2nd Line Road.
Among those attending were veterans from the community, representatives from various levels of government, members of Cobourg Legion Branch 133, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps Skeena, first responders and members of the public.
Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson served as master of ceremonies, welcoming those gathered and reflecting on the significance of remembering the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans.
“Today, we come together as a community to remember and honour the men and women who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the families whose lives were forever changed by war,” Simpson said.
He emphasized that Indigenous men and women answered the call to serve despite facing oppression and barriers in their own country.
“Their contributions are an important part of our history, and it is our responsibility to ensure their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.”
Simpson also recognized Alderville Elder and veteran Morris McKenzie, who was in attendance, and Elder and veteran Don Smoke, who was in Ottawa participating in Indigenous Veterans Day.
“We are grateful for your service, your contributions to our community, and the example you continue to set for future generations,” Simpson said.
The musical portion of the service included Chris Devlin of the Concert Band of Cobourg playing the Last Post, followed by two minutes of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives in service and in honour of all who served.
Reveille followed the silence before Chief Simpson recited In Flanders Fields, the famous First World War poem written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.
The ceremony then turned to the reading of the names of Alderville community members who fell during the First World War, Second World War and Vietnam War.
“As their names are read, we remember that each name represents a life, a family, and a lasting connection to our community,” Simpson said.
WORLD WAR I
John Beaver, Isaac Beaver, Edward Beaver, Ross Beaver, Clarence Baker, A. Chubb, Jos. Chubb, A. Comego, Alex Comego, Henry Comego, Peter Comego, Smith Comego, David Madden Crowe, S. Crowe, Robert Franklin, S. Smoke, S. Hagar, Norman Marsden, Moses Marsden, Noah Smoke, Wm. Stevenson, Alan Tobico, J. Tobico, D. Wheeler, Austin Blaker, Joshua Blaker, Victor Blaker, Wm. Blaker, Sampson Comego, W. Franklin, Wm. Hagar, Arch Simpson and Robert Tobico.
WORLD WAR II
Alvin Beaver, Edward Beaver, Elmer Beaver, Ivan Beaver, John Beaver, Albert Bigwin, William Bigwin, Ephriam Blaker, George Blaker, Raymond Blaker, Lawson Chase, Ben Chubb, Stewart Comego, Oliver Crowe, Walter Crowe, Robert Franklin, Gerald Gray, George Gray, Alvin Hagar, Alfred Loukes, Amos Marsden, Bruce Marsden, Fred Marsden, James Marsden, Lawrence Marsden, Leslie Marsden, Norman Marsden Sr., Norman Marsden Jr., Percy Marsden, Robert Marsden, Thomas Marsden, Daniel Simpson, Everett Simpson, Beatrice Smoke, Clifford Smoke, Donald Smoke, Eldon Smoke, Howard Smoke, James Smoke, Earl Smoke, Leonard Smoke, Reg Smoke, Roy Smoke, Stewart Smoke, William Stevenson, Clarence Sunday, John Sunday, Wilfred Sunday Sr., Wilfred Sunday Jr., Cecil Tobico, Arthur Wheeler, Wilburn Chubb and Arthur Beaver.
VIETNAM WAR
Robert Blaker and Darrell Marsden.
“May their sacrifices never be forgotten,” Simpson said.
The laying of wreaths followed the reading of the names.
“The laying of a wreath is a symbol of remembrance and respect. Each wreath represents our gratitude for those who served, and our commitment to keeping their memories alive,” Simpson said.
The opening wreaths were presented by Vicki Niles, representing the Anishinabek Nation, and Alderville First Nation Councillor Jason Marsden.
Federal representation was provided by Member of Parliament Philip Lawrence, while Peter Dounoukos attended on behalf of Member of Provincial Parliament David Piccini.
Municipal representatives included Alnwick/Haldimand Mayor John Logel, Trent Hills Mayor-Elect Michael Metcalf and Port Hope Mayor-Elect Todd Attridge.
Wreaths were also laid on behalf of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 in Cobourg, the Cobourg Legion Pipes & Drums, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 577 in Bewdley and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 380 in Warkworth.
First responders were represented by Mike Cavanagh of the Northumberland OPP, Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Rescue and Northumberland Paramedics.
Representatives from Alderville First Nation departments and organizations also participated, including Child & Family Wellbeing, Alderville Community Trust, Public Works & Capital Assets, Alderville Daycare, Alderville Solar Farm, Education & Student Services, Health & Social Services and the Alderville First Nation Methodist Church.
The family wreath-laying portion of the ceremony provided an opportunity for relatives to honour their loved ones and recognize the sacrifices made by previous generations.
Families and representatives came forward in memory of Art Beaver, Ivan Beaver and Moses Smoke, as well as the Beaver, Bigwin, Blaker, Chase, Tobico, Comego, Chubb, Crowe, Franklin, Gray, Loukes, Marsden, Simpson, Smoke and Sunday families.
The family wreaths were presented in the following order:
In Memory of Art Beaver
In Memory of Ivan Beaver
Beaver Family
Bigwin Family
Blaker Family
Chase, Tobico, Comego & Chubb Families
Crowe Family
Franklin Family
Gray Family
Loukes Family
Marsden – In Memory of Butch Marsden & Robert Marsden
Marsden Family
Simpson Family
In Memory of Moses Smoke
Smoke Family
Sunday Family
“These wreaths carry a special meaning, representing the personal connections, family histories, and sacrifices that remain part of our community today,” Simpson said.
He thanked all the families who participated, noting that their continued commitment to honouring loved ones helps ensure their stories remain part of the community’s history.
In his closing remarks, Simpson thanked the veterans, Elders, families, visiting dignitaries, organizations and volunteers who helped make the annual service possible.
He emphasized the importance of continuing to gather each year so future generations understand the contributions of veterans and the role they played in the community’s shared history.
“On behalf of Alderville First Nation and Council, miigwech for being here today,” Simpson said.
“Their names live forever. We will remember them.”
Following the ceremony, those in attendance were invited back to the Alderville Community Centre for refreshments.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
