KAMSACK — Gordon Craig was presented with the Legionnaire-of-the-Year award at the conclusion of the Remembrance Day banquet held at Kamsack on Nov. 11.
Lt. Karen Tourangeau, president of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, presented the award, saying it is meant for a member or volunteer who provides exemplary service to the branch.
Darren Kitsch was MC for the brief program that followed the traditional roast beef dinner, prepared by volunteers and cadet parents and served by cadets. The evening began with the singing of O Canada and with Rev. Stephen Ruten saying Grace, while cadet Cassious Cadotte recited the Airman’s Grace. Ft. Cpl. Kennan Kitsch made the Toast to the King, while Ft. Sgt. Halo Tourangeau made a toast to “the fallen comrades.”
Seated at the head table with Kitsch and Tourangeau were: Kerri Lindsay, the piper who had led the head table guests into the hall; Maria Rudd, first vice-president of the Legion branch and her husband Earl; Reverend and Betty Ruten, and Kamsack Mayor Beth Dix.
Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion in Canada to honour the sacrifices of veterans and those who served in the armed forces, Tourangeau said. “Often on this day, we reflect themes of gratitude, remembrance and hope for peace (as we acknowledge) the significance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the end of the First World War and the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.
“Today, we gather to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served our country in times of war, conflict and peace,” she said. “Their bravery has shaped the freedoms we cherish today.”
From the trenches of Vimy Ridge to the peacekeeping missions of today, Canadians have stood for justice and freedom, she said. “We also honour the contributions of Indigenous veterans, whose service is an integral part of our shared history.
“I, along with my brothers and sisters, remember the stories that our mother told us of her brother and the photo and letters that she shared of our uncle, who didn’t make it home.
“Let’s remember all who gave their lives during the liberation of Europe,” she said. Their courage reminds us of the cost of freedom.
“As we wear our poppies and observe a moment of silence, let us commit to keeping their memories alive. Teach your children, share their stories and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. May we honour their legacy by striving for a world where peace prevails.
“Thank you for joining us today to remember and reflect.”
“As we reflect today, we remember the sacrifices made by so many people to ensure our safety and a return to peace in the world,” Kamsack Mayor Beth Dix said. “All different backgrounds and different faiths working together so that we can live a life of freedom.
“I am thankful for those who fought, whether abroad or at home, so I can live the life I choose to live without fear or oppression,” Dix said. “I am thankful to those who gave everything to ensure that our children and grandchildren will be living in peace.
“I am thankful to those who returned and continued to serve in their communities for so many years after their military service was complete.
“Today, we remember all of them and think about how lucky we are because of their selflessness and courage.
“I would like to share with you part of a poem written by Rudyard Kipling.
“God of our fathers, known of old,
“Lord of our far-flung battle-line,
“Beneath whose awful hand we hold
“Dominion over palm and pine,
“Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
“Lest we forget – lest we forget.”
“Today and every day, honour them in your hearts and your minds and hold hope that there will be peace in the world again soon,” she said. “Lest we forget.”
