158 Flags snapping around, dancing in the cool wind of April 11th 2015. A crowed gathered around the Cenotaph in Woodstock ON. to pay respects and await the unveiling of a piece of history.
158 Soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in Afghanistan. One of these soldiers struck close to home; Pte. Tyler W. Todd from Bright Ontario, Canada lost his life while on foot patrol due to a road side bomb 5 years ago today (April 11th 2010). This Afghanistan War Monument, which is a soldiers Rifle, boots and helmet also known as the Battle Cross, was put in place in Woodstock, not only in Memory of Pte. Tyler W. Todd, but for all the soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
It was pleasure to be brought in to photograph this ceremony by the good fellows from THE EVENING OF HONOUR; 3 fellows: Jeremy Mac Knott, Kevin DeClark and Stephen Smith who decided one day that the veteran's of the Afghanistan War needed to be commemorated as this war was Canada's longest conflict, so they put together THE EVENING OF HONOUR, which is an event to raise money which can be put towards things like this War Memorial to commemorate the fallen. So much was happening: The colour party marching in, Wreaths being laid, Politicians speaking, Veteran motorcycle clubs riding in, 158 Flags stood at attention, each with the names of the fallen printed on the flag sticks and even a fly over by a WWII Harvard aircraft. It was a cold day due to the high winds but the skies were pretty clear and blue, the sun was out and the crowd was large, what more could we ask for. To see a community come together to honour our military personnel, Past, Present and future was amazing. - Shutter Click.
Evening Of Honour Members: Kevin DeClark, Jeremy Mac Knott (JMAC) and Stephen Smith Standing with Matt, who was in Afghanistan with Pte.Tyler W. Todd.
The Devils Regimen Salute the Cenotaph after laying down a wreath.
Afghanistan War Monument a.k.a THE BATTLE CROSS Sits Proud alongside the Woodstock ON. Cenotaph. 158 Canadian Flags dance in the wind, each with a fallen soldiers name on the wooden shaft.
3 Military men march out after placing a wreath at the Cenotaph.
Saluting the Cenotaph after placing the wreath
Jeremy and Kevin show a father of one of the fallen, his sons flag which was placed directly behind the Battle Cross.
Base of the Afghanistan Monument.
Cadets March In.
Colour Party Marches In.
Dave MacKenzie Speech.
Ernie Hardeman Speech.
Woodstock Ontario's Mayor: Trevor Birtch, Speech.
Fellas from THE EVENING OF HONOUR at the podium.
Jeremy doing an interview with CTV.
Kevin doing an interview with CTV.
Jeremy, Kevin, Stephen and Matt unveiling the Afghanistan War Memorial: Battle Cross.
Kevin standing up at the Cenotaph.
The Minute Of Silence.
A few Military men hanging out as they get ready to start the ceremony.
Silver Cross Mothers Presenting the Silver Cross to the Cenotaph.
Silver Cross Mothers receiving roses.
Soldiers presenting a wreath to lay at the Cenotaph.
The Devils Regiment arrives.
Members of the Woodstock Police Department Stand amongst the 158 Flags.
Pte. Tyler W. Todd's Mother reaches out to touch the Battle Cross in memory of her son while holding onto her grand daughter.