War veterans and peacekeepers who fought for their country – Canada – and those who lost their lives were honoured during Remembrance Day services in Stettler on Nov. 11 hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.
“This service today is to remind us of sacrifices made by members of our society who entered conflicts across the seas and helped our country to maintain our way of life,” Legion president Kevin Milner said during the ceremonies at Stettler Performing Arts Centre.
He further stressed the meaning of the day of memorial as the Legion presented a Remembrance Day service to students of William E. Hay Composite High School the day before.
“I can only be thankful that our country has the means and knowledge to ensure that they all receive a good education to start them on their way of life,” said Milner.
“Some countries who live under the oppression of dictators or militant governments are not so lucky and don’t offer their young people the things that we take for granted.”
Those from the Stettler area who served during wars were specially lauded for the various ways they contributed to peace.
“Since World War 1 and to this day, many young men and women have gone from the Stettler area and served in our armed forces,” said Milner.
“Some returned injured, some returned mentally damaged and some did not return at all.
“We, as citizens of this country, must thank them for their dedication and commitment to defend our way of life.”
“Thank you, veterans.”
In memory of those who sacrificed their lives, 62 wreaths were laid inside, including Town of Stettler Mayor Dick Richards, County of Stettler Reeve Wayne Nixon, Irene Brown for the Silver Cross Mother, various community organizations and countless citizens who laid wreaths in memory of a loved one lost at war.
After the service, wreaths were laid outside at the cenotaph at Memorial Park by Legion president Milner and Stettler RCMP Staff Sergeant Rowland Schmidt.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy, a history of the service was presented by Paulette Heer.
Young soloist Grace Morbeck sang “The Flower That Shattered the Stone” to inspire the audience.
Spiritual words of inspiration were expressed by Rev. Mark Osborne.
“Bring peace to the nation and help us be at peace with ourselves and with others as God made them,” he prayed.
He later read an applicable scripture from the Holy Bible.