WEYBURN – Claire Kuhn, representing Silver Cross War Mothers, and her son, Cpl. Richard Kuhn of the RCMP, each spoke about their different perspectives on Remembrance Day, as they addressed the service on Saturday at the Weyburn Legion Hall.
Claire shared some of her memories of growing up in Ottawa during the Second World War, and living with the fears and uncertainties of wartime, such as receiving telegrams about injuries her two brothers suffered, and having her father die only four months after returning from serving in Europe during the war.
Richard spoke of growing up in Weyburn and knowing peace and love here, but noted his memories on Remembrance Day have to do with fellow officers who have died in the line of duty, including a large number of police officers who have died just in the past year.
Prior to their addresses, they had laid wreaths at the front of the Legion Hall, along with dignitaries Yvonne Jones, representing MP Robert Kitchen; MLA Dustin Duncan; and deputy mayor Larry Heggs, representing the City of Weyburn; Brian Glass, president of the Weyburn branch of the Legion; Kevin Cooke, representing the Weyburn Fire Department, and chief Jamie Blunden of the Weyburn Police Service.
In her speech, Claire noted how people prayed during the war, as people worried for their loved ones in the fighting, and added, “As the world fights to figure things out, I will stop to talk to someone who’s lonely, and be patient with sales clerks, I will be patient, and let someone in line ahead of me.”
As she explained, it is like the old song that says, “let me be the change … let there be peace, and let it start with me,” and she recited St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer.
After a standing ovation for her talk, her son Richard came forward and quipped she would be a hard person to follow.
“In contrast to the stories of my mother, my youth growing up here in Weyburn were carefree, growing up with a stable family, biking with my friends, scrounging to save pennies, nickels and dimes to buy candy, playing sports, really not a care in the world,” he said, noting each person and each generation has a different take on Remembrance Day based on what they have experienced.
“For me, my role as a first responder shapes my view of this day, and every day in fact. My own sense of mortality is heightened by the job that I do and the inherent risks involved, and the sacrifices of those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice on our home soil in ensuring the health and well-being of Canadians. These sacrifices play a big part in this day for me,” said Richard.
Some of those he remembers are officers killed at Mayerthorpe, in 911, at Spiritwood and Moncton, and officers of the RCMP and of municipal forces who have died just in this past year. People are also dealing with the violence of war in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza currently ongoing, that “defy comprehension and morality.”
He noted people would drive home after the service in a peaceful community, and said, “How lucky we are to live and work in this city and country that we do. If you feel fortunate, be grateful, for we owe it to all those gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
