INNISFAIL – Hundreds of Innisfail and area residents took time to remember the service and sacrifice of Canadian veterans during the town’s Remembrance Day Memorial Service on Nov. 11.
A ceremony took place inside the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #104 prior to the outdoor wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph.
“Veterans come from all around Innisfail to take part in the service,” said Joan Miller, president of Innisfail Legion Royal Canadian Legion Branch. “We always have a super turnout. The town really understands the meaning of Remembrance Day. They come out to take part in the service and honour all the local veterans.”
Innisfail’s Remembrance Day service included readings, hymns, a message from the legion president, a reading of the names in the roll of honour, a reading of the poem In Flanders Fields, and a message from this year’s guest speaker, Cpl. Derrick Holsworth with the Canadian Armed Forces.
“It’s to honour the past, present and future veterans,” said Miller.
Innisfail resident, Janice Falkner was attending the service on Monday.
Her father Numi Stefanson, was a Second World War veteran who recived special recognition the year before he passed away in August 2016. He was given the National Order of the Legion of Honour, which is France’s highest non-citizen award, presented for his service to help liberate France.
“I think it’s very important that we remember. With everything going on in the world it’s so easy to push that aside,” said Falkner.
“He was very emotional when he did receive that award because he finally felt like they were getting recognition for what they did and all the sacrifices they made,” she added.
Guest speaker, Cpl. Derrick Holsworth, has served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton for four years, and shared a message on the importance of Remembrance Day.
This year serving his country is taking on new meaning for the 22-year old solider.
Holsworth is preparing for his first overseas deployment.
“We’ve been training. We’re getting ready to (go overseas) in January for Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia,” said Holsworth. “It’s a presence mission.”
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has members currently serving with Operation REASSURANCE in central and eastern Europe. They are there as part of NATO assurance and deterrence measures.
Canada began assisting NATO with military measures in April 2014.
“We have a whole battle group made up of all combat arms and support trades that we need. I think there’s upwards of 300 to 400 (CAF members) going,” said Holsworth.
“I’m excited to go. It’ll be a good experience.”
