By TERRY PUGH
A Remembrance Day service in Warman marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War drew a crowd of about 1,000 people.
They began arriving more than an hour before the service began, filling the chairs on the main floor of the cavernous auditorium, overflowing the seats on the upper balcony, and lining benches along the walls.
They all wore small, bright red poppies pinned over their hearts, a symbol of the deep respect within those same hearts for the brave men and women who served in two world wars and more recent conflicts so that others could live in freedom.
They were seniors with lined faces, young parents with small children in tow, teenagers in fashionably-torn jeans, and working people who understood that this was not just another holiday.
This was a day to reflect on what it means to live in a country like Canada, where freedom, democracy, the right to vote, the right to agree or disagree while always respecting others’ opinions, and to speak freely are as much a part of our shared cultural tradition as the air we breathe.
It was a day to remind ourselves that freedom must not be taken for granted.
It was also a day to acknowledge the lasting debt we have to those who step up to the front lines in times of both war and peace.
Framed by a massive Canadian flag directly behind the podium on which he spoke, Reverend Peter Knelson of St. John’s Lutheran Church told the crowd that it’s important for citizens to honour those who come to the aid of others.
Noting that Canadian military personnel have been called on to assist in rescue efforts across the country many times over the past few decades, Knelson said these peace-time missions of mercy should not be overlooked. In the same vein, the day-to-day service of firefighters, police officers and first responders are also important to be recognized and honoured.
“The Canadian Armed Forces and civilian emergency responders are always there for us,” said Knelson. “We need to be there for them. That is why we have Remembrance Day, to be here for our veterans and all those who serve our country.
“I know it may seem like it’s a small and insignificant way to show respect; but it is actually very significant to set aside a day to reflect and give thanks to those who have given us such a tremendous amount.
“Today we honour those in the Canadian military who have served our country in the past, and who currently serve our country,” he added. “We also honour our first responders and emergency personnel.”
Knelson concluded that the outward show of respect people display by attending Remembrance Day services, observing a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, and wearing a poppy is important to veterans and first responders.
But, he added, those who serve others can also draw strength from a higher power during times of intense crisis.
“You and I can do our best to be here for our veterans,” he said. “But, the only one who can truly be there is God himself. God is there for everyone in ways that other people cannot be, because even in our darkest moments, we can take comfort in knowing that we are in the capable hands of a good shepherd who can lead us out of the darkness; out of the valley of the shadow of death into the light, the green pastures and the still waters.”