CANORA – Under mostly sunny skies and above normal temperatures, Canora and area residents gathered to remember those who have served during the Remembrance Day service at the Canora Cenotaph.
Cathy Trach, president of the Canora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, led the singing of O Canada, followed by the playing of The Last Post.
Two minutes of silence was observed at 11 a.m. followed by the playing of Rouse.
Thom Carnahan, padre for the Canora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, led the reading of Act of Remembrance.
They shall grow not old
As we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them.
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun.
And in the morning,
We will remember them.
Response: We Will Remember Them.
Prayers of Remembrance and Thanksgiving were shared by Pastor Brett Watson.
“Oh Lord our God, on this 11th day of the 11th month we once again gather to remember. You have called us to be people of peace saying, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ and reminding us that we are to love our neighbour and our enemy as we love ourselves.
“But there are times and places in the world where we fail to live out those words, times when young men and women hear and answer the call to put on the uniforms of their country and serve under their flag. They go, at the request of their nation, to far off lands to stand a post, fight the battles and many give their lives for the cause of freedom.
“Today we give thanks for all who have chosen to serve their country. We give thanks for their bravery, their commitment, and their love.
“But we know that when armies meet on the field there are always some who don’t come home.
"And so we pause in the memory of those who went and did not return to fathers and mothers, husbands and wives and children left behind.
“Be with us today Lord as we give thanks for those who go, serve and fight so that we don't have to, and as we remember and honour all those who fought and died and fought and lived so that we live in freedom.
"Thank you Lord. Amen.”
Cathy Trach introduced individuals and groups who were to lay wreaths in remembrance.
Those laying wreaths included:
- Sgt. Derek Friesen, representing the federal government.
- Cecil Machnee, representing Yorkton–Melville MP Cathay Wagantall.
- Clarissa Mydonick, representing Canora–Pelly MLA Sean Wilson.
- Mayor Mike Kwas, representing the municipal government.
- Navel Cadet Gracie Paul and Sgt. Max Paul, representing the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Captain Darren Paul, Cpl. Echo Sabiston and LAC Ariyah Cree, representing the Canadian Air Cadets.
- Cst. Sam Lohnes, representing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- Vice-president Deb Gabora and newest member Amber Boychuk of the Canora branch, representing the Royal Canadian Legion.
- Canora EMS and firefighters members, representing first responders.
- Representatives of other organizations and individuals.
Following the laying of the wreaths, the benediction was prayed by Padre Carnahan.
"O God, we remember before you those who laid down their lives for freedom and truth. We commend their souls into your gracious keeping and pray that we may be worthy of their sacrifice. Help us to be faithful and true to those ideals for which they fought and died. May we continue to perpetuate the memory of our departed comrades by our service to country, community and comrades, and remembering our solemn obligation, may we ever pray – Lord God of Hosts; Be with us yet."
Response: "Lest we forget; Lest we forget."
Following the benediction Padre Carnahan invited everyone to a Service of Remembrance located at the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church hosted by the Canora Ministerial Association, followed by a luncheon at the Legion Dugout.
The cenotaph service closed with the singing of God Save The King
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