Innisfail's Royal Canadian Legion will be honouring war veterans and the centennial of the start of the First World War at its annual Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11.
Members of the community are invited to take part in a ceremony to be officiated by Rev. Jeanne Hunter of St. Mark's Anglican Church, set to begin at 10 a.m. in the legion auditorium, which will then move to the cenotaph in a commemorative march for the traditional wreath ceremony.
“Our Remembrance Day ceremony will not only honour those who gave their lives in service of Canada since the First World War, but also since the war of 1812, more than one hundred years prior,” said Doug Whorrall, Korean War veteran. “With the recent events in Ottawa and Quebec, there is a greater awareness of the military in Canada and our role in keeping Canada safe.”
Whorrall will be an active participant in Remembrance Day ceremonies in Central Alberta schools such as Innisfail, Spruce View and Penhold Crossing Secondary School in the week leading up to Nov. 11.
During the Innisfail ceremony, the Last Post, Piper's Lament, and Reveille will lead to veterans and dignitaries being led through an Act of Remembrance prior to the laying of the wreaths at the base of the cenotaph, and the reading of the roll of honour for both world wars.
Remembrance Day is celebrated worldwide on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, to commemorate the official end of the First World War, which was agreed to by the Treaty of Versailles signed in June of 1914.
Wearing a poppy is a symbol of support for Canadian troops and their efforts to protect our freedoms, for which 116,000 Canadian soldiers have given their lives. The Poppy Campaign officially started Oct.30 and will continue until Remembrance Day.
The 2014 Remembrance Day ceremony in Innisfail is open to the public. Early arrival is recommended.
