4 minute read
In Remembrance
In Remembrance
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 39 presented a lovely, flawless and profound Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Vegreville Social Centre on November 11.
Rev. Laureta Blondin, Acting Branch Chaplain emceed the event.
President Terry Kuzyk welcomed everyone and stated that, as a member of the legion, he considers this the most important day of the year.
Kuzyk expressed that this day is the culmination of another year of supporting their veterans and serving members and their families. “I could not be prouder of the work we do as an organization, specifically our Service Officers. We strive to assist whenever and wherever we can. We are honoured to do so.
“We all know that armed conflict is a horrific endeavor that has devastating consequences both physical and emotional.
“My grandfather served in both the great wars, and we were fortunate to have him return home. I never heard him talk about what he went through but we know he was a hero to serve. My father served in the Second Great War. As I grew older, I could understand more clearly the effects this had on him. They are lifelong and far-reaching. This is why we support every veteran we possibly can.”
Kuzyk went on to say one can never underestimate the great strength and resolve it takes to serve in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services, and we must show them the respect and compassion they deserve for everything they have done and continue to do for us. Please remember to thank them every chance you get, for they are the reason we live in relative peace, comfort, and Freedom.
Guest Speaker Lieutenant-Colonel Deputy Commanding Officer Christopher Barr spoke from a veteran’s perspective on behalf of the 41 Combat Engineer Regiment.
Barr stated that Remembrance Day in Canada is a solemn occasion that invites all to focus, honour, and recognize the sacrifices made by so many who served, on behalf of Canadians, in times of war, conflict, peace-keeping, and peace-making.
For Regiments like theirs and the other Canadian Armed Forces Units, this day is filled with solemn ceremony, tradition, and professionalism, as they engage with the public on so many levels. However, for those amongst us today, who have witnessed first-hand the sounds, sights, and smells of combat, who fought , who lost their ‘fire team partners’ and for the family members, close friends, relatives, neighbours who lost loved ones to the quarrel, this Day, Remembrance Day takes on a more significant sober and personal meaning. In addition, we must not forget those who gave all, those who were lost through training accidents, aircraft crashes, drownings at seas whilst standing on guard for thee, maintaining the readiness to protect Canadians, this great country of ours, as well as, Canada’s interests around the world.
This ceremony also had dignitaries, their representatives, and Rev. Laureta Blondin giving greetings that echoed the same sentiments about the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by the serving military members and humbled veterans.
Brenda Tuck performed a beautiful musical interlude and Mr. McMunn was the Bugler.
At the end, Kacie-Rae Kisilevich and Delaney Shewchuk received Bob and Jean Kelly Scholarships and Kacie-Rae Kisilevich was also the recipient of the Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship.
Following the proceedings at the Social Centre, attendees made their way to the Legion Hall for a bountiful buffet lunch catered by Diane Fausak and crew.
