Ceremony remembers the sacrifices made for freedom

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 12, 2022.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke A member of the Navy League Cadet Corps calls out along with others from the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps as they march in as part of Remembrance Day Ceremonies Friday at Exhibition Park.

On November 11 hundreds attended the Remembrance Day ceremony held at Exhibition Park, paying respect to those that have served our country in war.

Events began with Parade Marshall Richard Drought, Sergeant at Arms, leading the colours in. Paul Brundige, General Stewart Branch President, spoke during the ceremony with Major Donald Bladen, with the Salvation Army, leading the prayer, invocation, and benediction.

The Last Post and Rouse was played by trumpeter John Van Dyk, while Lament was played by bagpiper David Kaminski.

At 11 a.m. those in attendance stood for two-minutes of silence followed by the laying of the wreaths at the ceremonial Cenotaph.

Veterans and currently serving members of armed forces in attendance marched with honour during the ceremony, pleased with the turnout of those showing their support.

“It feels good to have a large crowd back again,” said Mike Duffy, RCMP Veterans Association Lethbridge Division.

“It is always important to remember the veterans who have passed away protecting our freedom fighting in the World Wars and the Korean conflict. We have a democracy here in the western hemisphere because of that. We should recognize the sacrifices they made in order for us to live in this manner,” said Duffy.

In attendance was 100-year-old-veteran Bill Craik, who served as a solider in the Loyal Edmonton Regime during the Second World War.

“It is great to remember them, so many young lives lost that never came home, I was one of the fortunate ones to come through it.” said Craik.

Craik’s wife, Christena spoke of how she would receive letters from him, and how the correspondence was always from a different hospital and her never knowing where the next letter would come from.

“I didn’t really worry, he was pretty tough,” she said.

Taking time to remember the history of our veterans and their service, the ceremony honoured all who have fought for Canada.

“It has been going on since 1921 (The forming of the British Legion). This is our 101st year of doing this,” said Lieutenant Peter Rosendal with Canadian Armed Forces.

“Remembrance Day was always for me, when I was growing up, was for World War I and II. Now it is remembering those who also have recently passed away. […] We commemorate those that have given their sacrifices, their time away from family, and then also gave sacrifice with their lives,” he said.

Whether in ceremony or in ones own time, veterans ask for a moment of silence on November 11, reflecting on the history of Canada and the democracy that was fought for this land.

“Everybody should take time to reflect on why we are here on Remembrance Day, what it means to them personally and to the country as a whole,” said Duffy.

“I am here because of my relatives, my grandfathers, and my uncle. My grandfathers fought in World War I and my uncle in World War II. They survived the wars, but came home damaged. So remember the efforts and the sacrifices they made.”