The Rememberance Day service at the Legends Centre in Warman honoured those past and present who have done so much so that we can experience the freedoms we enjoy.
Master of Ceremonies Sgt. Kevin Schwartz opened the service by describing Canadian involvement and sacrifices in World War One and Two, The Korean War, Gulf War, Balkan War, and Afganistan War. He later read off the names people from Warman and Osler who served and acknowledged the veterans, peacekeepers and service personal in attendance for their contributions.
Pastor Peter Knelson shared the many anniversaries that 2021 brings. This includes the 65th anniversary of the first large scale United Nations peace keeping mission in Eygpt(1951). The 105th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in World War One(1916) and more recently the 10th anniversary of the end of Canada’s military role in Afganistan(2011).
He recognized that the Canadian Forces also play a big role in helping during domestic disasters. This is the 25th anniversary of the flash floods of 1996 in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. One of countless times the Canadian Forces have helped our citizens during very difficult times.
“You can be sure that those that serve us in the military leave behind a great legacy, each and everyone who serves. A legacy of service”, Knelson said.
He added the sacrifices of veterans have given us great freedoms and we should not take these freedoms for granted, but instead find inspiration in what they have done to work in our own lives to “serve one another humbly in love.”
Barrie Redford played The Last Post on trumpet followed by moment of silence.
Piper Raphael Mercier led the colour party in both the entrance and exit.
Elementary school students read the poem In Flanders Field.
Members of the RCMP, Canadian military and elected officials were among those in attendance. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions attendance was limited, although others were able to view the event remotely as it was live streamed over the internet.
Following the ceremony a single wreath was placed at the cenotaph located south of the Legends Centre parking lot.
