Lest we forget.
Hundreds of Red Deerians filled Servus Arena as the Red Deer Legion Branch #35 hosted its annual Remembrance Day service on Friday.
“We have to appreciate the people who will go and fight for freedom and against oppression,” said Bev Hanes, president of Red Deer’s Legion.
During the ceremony, Hanes said each year on Nov. 11 Canadians honour all veterans and read out the names of those who passed away during the year.
The following names were listed on the program for Friday’s Remembrance Day ceremony: Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Garth Anholt, Derek Bailey, Thomas Baker, Donald Balkwill, Joseph Baxter, David Browne, James Christie, Steven Connell, Norman Cooper, Coral Davids-Fry, E. N. Dave Davis, Robert Davis, John Dunn, Ronald During, Jonathan Gall, Kingsley Griswald, Frank Groenen, Chester Harris, Evan Hawkings, Harold Horne, Beverly Hughes, Paul Kucher, Kenneth Lunn, Donald MacGregor, Miles MacGregor, Donna Marr, Douglas McLay, Robert Munson, Preston Parks, James Pendergast, Mike Perplitz, Arthur Perrin, Allen Richards, William Riches, Denis Robinson, Janet Sim and Harvey Warkentin.
“Canada now has eight books of remembrance honouring the soldiers who gave their lives while serving our country,” Hanes said during the ceremony.
“Canadians remember in a lot of different ways. In Red Deer we have the cenotaph. There are roadways and mountains named after veterans. … There are so many different ways we can remember – whichever you prefer, just use that to remember.”
Mayor Ken Johnston said the Remembrance Day ceremony serves as an opportunity for Red Deerians to appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans.
“What strikes me every year is the diminishing list of veterans that we see and the growing list of veterans we’ve lost,” Johnston noted.
“But I think what’s inspiring is seeing all of the young people, the cadets, the navy folks, the army folks – on top of that we had a full house (in Servus Arena). It’s fantastic.”
Premier Danielle Smith said Remembrance Day is a time to remember the brave men and women who fought for “our nation and our values.”
“Throughout our nation’s history, more than 2.3 million Canadians have put themselves forward when peace and order came under attack. More than 118,000 never came home,” Smith said.
““We will always honour our soldiers for their courage and selflessness. The poppies we wear are a small act of remembrance, respect and appreciation for all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our freedom and way of life.”
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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