Remembrance Day 2022

Ryley Legion Remembrance Day Service

Sergeant-at-Arms Doug Harbak.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Ryley Royal Canadian Legion Branch 192 Hosts Remembrance Day Community Service

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

A crowd gathered near the cenotaph outside of the Ryley Royal Canadian Legion Branch 192 shortly after Noon on Nov. 11 to pay respects to the veterans, past and present and current members of the armed forces who have and continue to serve Canada.

A total of 32 wreaths were deposited on behalf of community groups and businesses. Sgt-at-Arms Doug Harbak laid a wreath on behalf of peacekeepers. Harbak was raised and went to school in Ryley and he returns to the community for the Remembrance Day service every year.

He served in the Canadian army as a vehicle technician for more than 30 years. He recalled his regiment receiving a special award from Prince Charles. He was stationed in several different countries during his time in service and was honoured to have served his country.

Ryley cenotaph.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Harbak organized the procession as participants marched to the Ryley Community Centre for the indoor service. O Canada, Last Post, Two Minutes of Silence, Act of Remembrance, In Flanders Fields took place before Pastor Mark Bueckert of the Good News Community Church delivered his special message.

Bueckert’s message surrounded service, honouring the veterans who have served and armed forces men and women who continue to serve. He recalled the time when his friend Dave, also a hockey dad and member of the Canadian Armed Forces, came up with the idea for members of the Holden Oilers to wear a poppy before warm up the day before Remembrance Day about a decade ago.

“We had a moment and stopped to remember the armed forces. What is interesting about the story is a couple of days before the game Dave transferred to Ontario and he wasn’t even there as he had to complete some training. But it got a lot of attention and got me wondering if we still do these kinds of things?

Beaver Emergency Services Commission representative

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Are we still remembering armed forces? This weekend we have parents driving kids around country going to games, with no fear of what might happen.” He said there is no fear of threats or peace disrupted, but sadly, that’s not the same for everybody. Not all kids have that opportunity.

He encouraged youth and other people to continue to honour veterans, members of the armed forces and people in their lives by “putting others ahead of ourselves in our everyday lives. By serving, by giving, by contributing beyond just community.”

Plaque in front of elm tree.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Vegreville Remembers War Heroes

Rosanne Fortier News - Correspondent

November 11, 2022 marked the 104th Anniversary of the end of World War I. Hence, RCL Branch No. 39 presented their annual Remembrance Day Ceremony in person to a crowd of around 180 on November 11 at Vegreville Social Centre.

Acting Branch Chaplain Rev. Pamela Milton emceed the event.

President for Legion Branch No. 39 Terry Kuzyk said the welcoming remarks. “Today as every year, we gather to remember the past conflicts and those that participated and returned or fell in battle. Today we continue the tradition that has been continued for over 100 years since the First Great War.

L-R: RCL Branch No. 39 members from L-R: Ria Radcliffe, Terry Kuzyk and Susan Essery.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Since then, our brave men and women have been involved in a number of wars and peacekeeping operations. Today, as every day, we are eternally grateful for the dedication for the preservation of our freedom.”

Diane Lydom presented greetings on behalf of MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, Tina Warawa read Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs’ message, County of Minburn Div. 7 Councillor Kevin Bentley offered greetings and Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee presented a message. All of their greetings echoed the basic sentiment which Kuzyk presented of offering gratitude to all the people who served and their families.

The wreaths that were laid out.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Lieutenant for Canadian Arm Forces Kent Miller was the guest speaker where he presented, A Veteran’s Perspective. “You heard many stories about the courage of the generation of veterans that stood tall prior to us who have served. From what we see, the current serving members are carrying that legacy. So know that Canada Arm Forces will be prepared to step into those situation that need us. You will see that in whole with veterans’ response to floods, fires, response to the pandemic and you will see that overseas in terms of the current training mission that we have for those brave members of the Ukrainian Arm Forces that are fighting in the war aggression from Russia. These soldiers are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in which they defend Canada and Canada’s ideals around the nation.”

During the ceremony Ashton Sorochan and Tatianna Pichota were presented with the Bob and Jean Kelly Scholarship.

Village of Chipman Hosts Remembrance Day Service

(Chipman Chatter/Submitted Photo)

Around 100 people attended the Remembrance Day Service that was hosted by the Village of Chipman on Nov. 11. Attendees walked from the Chipman National Hall to the WWI monument before proceeding to Centennial Park for the outdoor service.