In most cases, the meteorological backdrop surrounding a Cenotaph is one that is dark, gloomy with some rain thrown in.
 
On Sunday, however, it was the complete opposite with weather more suitable for the end of July -- a blue sky with sun and some clouds above.
 
Perhaps it is a reminder of what everyone hopes for when a conflict ends, a brighter environment or atmosphere that is peaceful and positive.
 
About 100 people gathered at the Belleville Cenotaph at Memorial Park -- in peace -- to recognize the latest names unveiled on the World War I tablet.
 
Three soldiers from Belleville were recognized for their service and their sacrifices -- the ceremony a symbol that the service and those same sacrifices will not be forgotten.
 
The afternoon event started with the marching of the colours, followed by the choir singing 'O Canada' and 'Maple Leaf Forever'.
 
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk then stepped to the podium to speak, thanking all of the politicians, military representatives and other honoured guests.
 
He addressed the history of the Cenotaph itself, which has experienced a restoration since it was first constructed nearly a century ago.
 
Panciuk then highlighted the bravery of the three soldiers being honoured: Lieutenant David Alwyn Forneri, Nursing Sister Agnes Florien Forneri and Flight Sublieutenant Ellis Vair Reid -- one after another -- and told their stories and their service to their country away from home in the fog or war.
 
What follows are excerpts from Panciuk's speech about the soldiers:
 
Flight Sub/Lt. Ellis Vair Reid
 
Ellis Vair Reid was born in Belleville on October 31, 1889.
 
After he joined the British Royal Navy Air Service in January 1916, he would go on to serve with Number 10 Wing's Black Flight and became an Ace Pilot after downing nineteen German aircraft in the first half of 1917.
 
Reid posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross at the end of July 1917 and was commemorated on the Arras Flying Service Memorial in Arras, France.
 
Lieutenant David Alwyn 'Al' Forneri
 
David Alwyn 'Al' Forneri was born in Belleville on January 10, 1883.
 
He enlisted in Montreal in September 1914 and died in March 1917 during a raid in preparation for the battle of Vimy Ridge, one of the defining and most successful battles in the history of Canada.

Forneri had previously been wounded twice, but insisted on returning to battle.
 
His brigade was engaged in a skirmish against the German army when he was wounded a third time.
 
As the stretcher bearers were attempting to return Forneri to Canadian lines, an artillery shell fell directly on top of them.

Forneri was commemorated on the Vimy Monument, just outside of Ypres, Belgium.
 
Nursing Sister Agnes Florien 'Florie' Forneri
 
Agnes Forneri was David's sister -- she was born in Belleville on April 18, 1881.
 
She enlisted to the Canadian Army Medical Corps in Kingston in February 1917.
 
Panciuk went on to tell the story of the first female name to be etched into the Cenotaph -- the story of a woman who made many requests to care for severely wounded soldiers and was finally able to at hospitals in France and England, through illness and pain until her death in April 1918.
 
"Nursing Sister Forneri was invalided to Number 12 Canadian General Hospital in Bramshott, England and upon recovering, she stayed and tended to patients at that same hospital.  But unwilling to see a doctor, she endured the pain and difficulty of her condition until she collapsed at her work station. And we honour her."
 
The ceremony also included the laying of wreaths and a prayer from Belleville Police Service Chaplain Reverend Brad Beale:
 
"We give you thanks for all who lay down their lives for our sake.  Let the memory of their devotion ever be an example to all of us, that we at the last be in faithful even unto death may receive with them the crown of life."
 
In the concluding paragraphs of his speech, Panciuk told the crowd:
 
"Let the actions of these additions send a clear message to the world -- that if you serve and protect us, Belleville will never forget your legacy.  It doesn't matter if this sacrifice is made today, or yesterday, or ten years ago or 101 or 102 years ago -- Belleville will always remember you.  Belleville will never forget you."