WEYBURN - A standing-room only crowd in the Weyburn Legion Hall paid tribute to the men and women who serve, and have served, Canada in times of war and peace, at the Remembrance Day ceremonies on Monday morning.
The three levels of government were represented as they brought greetings, and the representative of War Mothers, Betty Knibbs, laid the first wreath in the ceremonies.
The Variations community choir sang two songs as a collection was taken for the Poppy Fund, and an address was given by Denis and Laraine Tremblay of Weyburn.
Denis, a retired teacher and principal, shared thought about why this day is important, and about emotions and impressions that came from a trip he and his wife took to Normandy, France, seeing the Juno Beach Centre and the military cemeteries where Canada’s war dead have been laid to rest.
“Many of us who have been fortunate enough not to have lost loved ones in war may not comprehend the sense of loss they continue to experience,” said Denis. “All of us should be proud and honoured to recognize and acknowledge those who served and sacrificed, the fallen, the injured, the families, the friends and communities. If not for them, we would not have the privilege to enjoy the right and freedoms that at times are taken for granted.
“We must never forget, we must forever remember and always extend our gratitude for all of the sacrifices made so that we might have freedom and a way of life we so enjoy.”
Denis noted that his late brother made the trip to Normandy a few years ago, and spoke of how he was deeply and emotionally impacted by the visit. A while later, he and Laraine made the journey to France and saw Normandy as well.
“We visited the memorials and walked through the cemeteries lined row upon row with white marble headstones and crosses, many for those who died very young, and we too were filled with the same emotions,” he said.
Denis paid tribute to the role of the Royal Canadian Legion branches have played in remembering and honouring veterans and their families, and the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms.
He noted he and Laraine paid a recent visit to the Northwest Territories, and visited the northernmost Legion branch in Canada in Inuvik, Branch No. 220.
“As has been our experience, we were greeted with friendship and camaraderie,” he said, adding that Legions have continued to be a place “with a sense of gratitude”.
Remembrance Day was set on Nov. 11 as this was Armistice Day in 1918, marking the end of hostilities of the Great War.
He listed a number of words that are particularly significant for this day: service, courage, sacrifice, human cost of war, friends, loved ones, heart-ache, cherished memories, gratitude, freedom, way of life, forever remembered, respect, and next generations.
“A recent poll suggested that many Canadians know little about our country’s history, of events that define its past and should inform its future. How unfortunate and disconcerting as conflicts around the world continue to add loss of life. Peace and compromise appear to be elusive,” said Denis.
He added that it’s our collective responsibility to actively honour all those who serve, and it should be our individual responsibility to be “other-centred, lest we forget.”
The words, “lest we forget”, symbolize a solemn promise to the fallen and to all those who serve as we pass this on to the next generation, he said. “We owe it to them.”
Earlier, remarks were given by Yvonne Jones, representing MP Robert Kitchen; MLA Mike Weger, and Coun. Mel Van Betuw, in one of the last official roles he will have in this term, which will end today, municipal voting day.
Following the service, the War Mother Luncheon was held on the lower level, and a special presentation was made to Betty Knibbs by branch president Brian Glass just before the food was served by members of the Fifth Weyburn Scouts.
The Scouts had also taken the wreaths laid by the dignitaries on stage, and placed them at the cenotaph across the street in Memorial Park.
