Honouring the bravest with their own cenotaph

PENHOLD - The Town of Penhold held its first Remembrance Day service this year at the cenotaph that was unveiled in a special ceremony last November.

“We had a lot of veterans and a lot of citizens (out tonight),” said Dennis Cooper, mayor of Penhold. “It helps show the history and the strength of our military heritage within our town.”

The Remembrance Day service was held on the evening of Nov. 10 at the Penhold Regional Multiplex.

In addition to honouring Penhold and area veterans, the service also included members of the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion, the 7 Penhold Air Cadet Squadron, the Penhold Fire Department, Innisfail RCMP, Penhold peace officers, Penhold town council and many local residents.

“This is our very first Remembrance Day service and this is a special day for us,” said Cooper. “One year and five days ago we dedicated this facility and this wonderful (cenotaph) for our veterans and as a symbol of remembrance for the people who went (off to war) and didn't return and the people who went and did return,” he added.

Stewart Ford, a retired local businessman who was primarily responsible for the installation of the cenotaph, was one of several guests to place a wreath during the service.

“I think it's wonderful. We've had a good beginning and I'm sure it will grow with time,” said Ford about Penhold's first Remembrance Day service with its own cenotaph.

“(My wreath) was in honour of the 12 members of staff of Stewart Brothers who served in active service during the Second World War,” he said. “The remarkable thing is every one of them survived and came back (to Canada).”

Cooper said the Honour Roll is also an important part of Remembrance Day.

“We recognized names of neighbours and friends of people that used to live in Penhold. Those people gave the supreme sacrifice for our country,” said Cooper. “It's great to see that they are remembered and remembered by name.

“It's an honour to be able to stop and reflect in Penhold.”