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Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day - 2023
Vegreville Social Centre
MARCH ON THE COLOURS O CANADA
- Last Post: Silence / Lament / Rouse
ACT OF REMEMBRANCE
We Will Remember Them
Response: We Will Remember Them
DEPOSIT COLOURS
RETIRE COLOUR PARTY
INVOCATION: Rev. Laureta Blondin, Acting Branch Chaplain
LAYING OF WREATHS
RETIRE CENOTAPH GUARDS
INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
WELCOME:
Comrade Terry Kuzyk, President, Legion Branch No. 39
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Captain Matt Joy
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
- John 15:1-17
CHAPLIN’S MESSAGE - Rev. Laureta Blondin
MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF THE CO, 41 CER: - HLCol Anne McLellan
OFFERING: Musical interlude by Ellen Johnstone
HYMN - Abide With Me
PRESENTATIONS:
Bob & Jean Kelly Scholarships:
- Kyra Flett-Muntz, St. Mary’s High School
- Kiersten Dmytriw, Vegreville Composite High School
- Hannah Driedger, Vegreville Composite High School
CLOSING REMARKS: Comrade Terry Kuzyk, President
BENEDICTION: Rev. Laureta Blondin, Acting Branch Chaplain
Response: Lest We Forget
COLOUR PARTY RETRIEVES COLOURS
“God Save the King”
COLOUR PARTY RETIRES THE COLOURS
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARTICIPANTS 2023
President, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 39: Comrade Terry Kuzyk
Acting Legion Chaplain: Rev. Laureta Blondin
Musician: Ellen Johnstone
Bugler: W. G. McMunn
Master of Ceremonies: Rev. Laureta Blondin
Representing the Silver Cross Mother: Ria Radcliffe
Adjuc/CWO Mazarolle, CD Regimental Sergeant Major 41 CER
Honourary Lieutenant Colonel Anne McLellan
Major Welby Thumwood, 25 Engineer Squadron
Cenotaph Guard Commander: Master Warrant Officer Chad Santo
Unit Padre: Captain Matt Joy
CO: Commander Leslie Yewer-Stacey, HMCS Nonsuch
XO: Lieutenant Commander James Davies
Coxn: PO1 Brian Humphries
Sergeant-at-Arms: Comrade Benjamin Jamison
Legion Colour Party:
Veterans, Members of Legion Branch No. 39
Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch No. 39
41 Combat Engineer Regiment
HMCS Nonsuch
RCMP Vegreville Detachment and Veterans
No. 341 Air Cadets - Mundare Squadron
Vegreville Emergency Services
Vegreville Fire Department
The Poppy. To Honour and Remember
The Poppy is a powerful symbol of Remembrance.
From the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day, millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to never forget those who served and sacrificed. The red flower also is the symbol of the Legion’s Poppy Campaign, raising funds to support Veterans and their families in need. We invite everyone across the country to show their recognition by proudly wearing this symbol of Remembrance.
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
“In Flanders Fields” is a poem written during the First World War by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae after he presided over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier. So many years later, his poem continues to poignantly express the tragedy of the losses of war. So many years later, his poem continues to poignantly express the tragedy of the losses of war, and the importance of carrying on their memories. Wear a Poppy to honour and remember Canada’s Veterans.
How to wear your Poppy
The Legion’s lapel Poppy is a sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be affixed with a pin that obstructs the Poppy. The Poppy should be worn on the left side, over the heart.
When to wear your Poppy
The lapel Poppy should be worn during the Remembrance period, from the last Friday in October until November 11. The Legion encourages the wearing of Poppies at funerals of Veterans, and for any commemorative event such as a memorial service, or the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
How to remove a Poppy
When a Poppy is removed, it should be stored appropriately, or disposed of respectfully. We encourage anyone who finds a Poppy that has fallen to the ground to pick it up, brush it off, wear it or dispose of it with respect.
Every year, The Royal Canadian Legion conducts the Poppy Campaign, along with thousands of our members who volunteer from coast to coast to coast, to raise funds in support of Veterans and their families. Poppies are distributed freely, but your generous donations are invaluable and welcome.
The History of the Poppy
Napoleonic Wars
The significance of the Poppy can be traced back to the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century, over 110 years before being adopted in Canada. Records from that time indicate that thick Poppies grew over the graves of soldiers in Flanders, France. Fields that had been barren before battle exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.
First World War
The person who first introduced the Poppy to Canada and the Commonwealth was Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae of Guelph, Ontario, a Canadian Medical Officer during the First World War. John McCrae penned the Poem “In Flanders Fields” on a scrap of paper in May 1915 on the day following the death of a fellow soldier. Little did he know then that those 13 lines would become enshrined in the hearts and minds of all who would wear them. McCrae’s poem was published in Punch Magazine in December of that same year.
1921
The idea for the Remembrance Poppy was imagined by Madame Anna Guérin of France. She was inspired by John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields.” Anna had originally founded a charity to help rebuild regions of France after the First World War, and created poppies made of fabric to raise funds. Later, Anna presented her concept to France’s allies, including the precursor to The Royal Canadian Legion, The Great War Veterans Association. The idea was considered at a meeting in Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) and was adopted on July 6, 1921.
Today
The Poppy is worn each year during the Remembrance period to honour Canada’s Fallen. The Legion also encourages the wearing of a Poppy for the funeral of a Veteran and for any commemorative event honouring Fallen Veterans. Thanks to the millions of Canadians who wear the Legion’s lapel Poppy each November, the little red flower has never died, and the memories of those who fell in battle remain strong.
In Memory of Our Heros
On this Remembrance Day, take the time to stop and think about the thousands of Canadians who have selflessly given their lives to protect this beautiful nation.
Thanks to these courageous men and women who bravely fought in the name of freedom, Canadians have the opportunity to live in a country where peace and democracy reign free.
To honour their memory and acts of valour, wear your poppy proud, and participate in a moment of silence at 11:11 a.m., wherever you may be.