At annual events across the country, Canadians gather to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of the members of the armed forces.
In Chestermere, a beautiful service was held at the Chestermere Recreation Centre on November 11, 2013 in front of a packed gymnasium of community members from young to old. Those in attendance were spilled out into the lobby when the gym became too full.
Councillor Stu Hutchison and Grade 12 Chestermere High School Students Dakota Dame were the Master of Ceremonies and The Chestermere High School Band, led by Lael Johnson performed the music.
After a prayer by John Wright, everyone stood for 2 minutes of silence marking the hour. The quiet was broken by a Piper’s Lament and Reveille by Cyril Blanchard.
In an act of remembrance, there was a recitation of the famous poem written by Robert Laurence Binyon: “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them”
The first wreath was placed down by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and then followed by numerous wreaths presented by community members such as MLA Bruce McAllister, The Knights of Columbus, Chestermere Cadets, Chestermere Brownies, Chestermere Fire Department and Peace Officers, Town of Chestermere Mayor and Councillors, The Chestermere Whitecappers and the Legion.
MLA Bruce McAllister mentioned how important it is to remember the lives and the sacrifices, and pass the stories of our military down to the younger generations.
“It is nice to see so many young faces here today,” says one person in attendance.
The Veterans’ food bank was accepting donations at the door.
This annual event is hosted by the Chestermere Cenotaph and Remembrance Day Service Committee.
