We will remember them…

This Remembrance Day was especially meaningful for Canadians, given the tragic events of Oct. 22.

Ceremonies were held across Flagstaff on Tuesday, Nov. 11, a day of remembrance, respect, and thanks for those who gave their all for the freedom that we enjoy today.

Killam Royal Canadian Legion Branch #65 held an outdoor service at the cenotaph starting at 10:55 am.

Special guests for the Killam service included five soldiers who served in the same battalion as the Killam servicemen from WWI and WWII, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.

Joining in the outdoor service were more than 200 Michels Canada workers, who braved the minus 14 degree day, with another 100 local residents, to pay their respects.

Residents welcomed the workers, honoured that they have chosen to take part in Killam’s ceremony.

The visitors from the Loyal Edmonton Regiment acted the role of corner guards for the cenotaph, where the Legion Colour party of Kim Dammann and Russell Moore led branch members.

As in similar ceremonies throughout Flagstaff, Alberta, and Canada, The Last Post was followed by two minutes of silence, then Branch #65 Padre Rev. Stephen Haughland read, “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 will remember them.”

After the laying of the wreaths, the service moved to The Living Room, where Rev. Haughland gave a heartfelt meditation.

“I’ve been thinking of little else in the last month,” he said.

Haughland said, “Only moments ago, we joined countless other Canadians across this country, and stood at attention while flags were lowered.. the bugles were heard, prayers offered, wreaths laid..

“But exactly how important, and how profound that sacrifice was for this generation of Canadians was perhaps never brought home more forcefully and more terribly than it was on Oct. 22 of this year, when an event took place that changed forever, and for all Canadians, the significance of this day of remembrance.

“On the morning of Oct. 22, in the city of Ottawa, a Canadian soldier, Corporal Nathan Cirillo, was shot twice, while standing guard at the Canadian National War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“He died on a new battlefield, one that has opened up in countries like ours. Where one gives one’s life not only for one’s country and for freedom, but also where one gives one’s life for honouring and remembering the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for one’s county, and for freedom.And with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, Corporal Cirillo has now become the newest member of the new regiment of warriors where one’s life is sacrificed not in battle on a foreign field, but simply for wearing Canada’s uniform on Canadian soil.

“My friends, this is a new battlefield for Canadians today. A new, and frightening, and terrifying battlefield for Canadians and for any nation who sacrificed their sons to oppose tyranny and oppression.”

Haughland talked about how these acts of aggression on Canadian soil gave all Canadians a chance to see, first-hand, the kind of tyranny that led our nation to war.

“And how true is that same truth being brought home in these days, to you and to me.

“That despite our love of peace and freedom for all, that there are still people with whom one can negotiate neither of those virtues, and who will only be happy when nations like ours have relinquished ours.

“When not just the fallen, but those who stand on guard for the fallen, are threatened and destroyed… then maybe it’s time for us to no longer take for granted so many of the freedoms and the values we take for granted.

“Perhaps it’s time for us to understand that the tyrannies for which our fathers and grandfathers sacrificed themselves are still out there….”

Haughland spoke of the official decision following Cirillo’s shooting for members of the armed forces not to wear uniforms in public, then said, “How much better the response… of veterans.. and even ordinary citizens….

“When in the days that followed, veterans and former soldiers, and ordinary citizens took it upon themselves to do what Nathan Cirillo was doing when he made the ultimate sacrifice.
“To show up at Cenotaphs… across the country, and simply gather for a few moments, and quietly stand on guard, and defy all those who worship power; to defy all who would use power to force us to worship their cause.

“How wonderful and how amazing was that response?”

Haughland finished with, “Maybe, once a month, or even once a week, how appropriate it might be, in this world in which we now live, to spend even just a few seconds on any given afternoon or morning.

“Standing. Quietly. Reverently, and unashamedly.
“In that place were we all stood moments ago.
“Standing on guard for the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“What we have done here this morning has also become an act of defiance.
“An act of defiance in the face of all and any who would take away our freedom.”

Leslie Cholowsky
Editor

The following are extra photos taken at Remembrance Day observances in Killam and Lougheed.