INNISFAIL - Close to a thousand Innisfail and area residents gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion on Nov. 11 to honour fallen and surviving war heroes.
In one of the warmest days for Remembrance Day services in recent memory, veterans, special guests, local dignitaries and members of the public packed the legion and the streets for the indoor service and outdoor wreath laying ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11.
The event included a parade that was led by the legion's colour party and pipe band, and joined by local veterans, members of the Innisfail RCMP, Innisfail Fire Department, Corrections Canada members from Bowden Institution and the 7 Penhold Air Cadet Squadron.
“I think the people of Innisfail and the surrounding area really take pride in their legion and care for their veterans,” said Del Seabrook, president of the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch 104.
The Remembrance Day Memorial Service included the playing of the Canadian national anthem, prayers, readings and the naming of the Roll of Honour, in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during both world wars.
In addition, several guest speakers took part in Innisfail's Remembrance Day service, including the Hon. Col. (retired) Donald Ethell, former lieutenant-governor of Alberta.
“We are very privileged to have a person like Don Ethell here,” said Seabrook. “He helps us to better understand what this (day) is all about.”
Ethell, Canada's most decorated peacekeeper, made his first visit to Innisfail Nov. 11 and spoke to those in attendance during the service.
“I'm conscious of the fact that kids (today) have to understand that many of our Canadians paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Ethell. “We had 122,000 killed in the First World War and that's a mind-boggling number.”
He also noted the outstanding role of Innisfail's legion as one of the most active in the country today.
Seabrook said the town can be pleased with the support the legion receives from veterans, volunteers, schools and local residents.
“Innisfail should be proud,” Seabrook concluded.
Del Seabrook, local legion president
"I think the people of Innisfail and the surrounding area really take pride in their legion and care for their veterans."
