PENHOLD - The town is holding its first Remembrance Day service at the new cenotaph that was unveiled a year ago, early last November.
The event takes place on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. inside the Penhold Regional Multiplex where the cenotaph was installed.
The service is being held a day earlier than the official Nov. 11 date because they want to “respect” the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion's traditional role on Remembrance Day, said Mayor Dennis Cooper, who added the legion is working with the town by providing a colour party and pipe band for its inaugural service.
“It will be our first Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph for the general public,” said Cooper. “It will be a very special day for us.”
The evening service will be about one hour in length and will include traditional aspects of Remembrance Day services, such as wreath laying and the playing of the Last Post.
Cooper noted the former Canadian Forces Base in Penhold and the strong military heritage within the Penhold community.
“Penhold has a long history of (people) that served and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Cooper. “It's an honour to be able to honour them in Penhold at the cenotaph on November 10.”
Stewart Ford, a Penhold resident and retired businessman, is looking forward to observing Remembrance Day in the town.
“I'm very pleased that they're going to be able to honour our service people and do it in Penhold,” said Ford, who spearheaded the effort to create and install the new cenotaph inside the multiplex. “There's a fair ex-military presence in Penhold. They'll have a chance to have their opportunity to remember and if they wish to lay a wreath for a relative or a friend,” he added. “We can (honour our war heroes) at home now.”
In addition, all three Penhold Schools are participating in a Remembrance Day assembly and produced a video of students laying wreaths at the new cenotaph.
It will be aired during their Remembrance Day assembly on Nov. 9 at Penhold Crossing Secondary School.
Lauren Bichel and Harper Johnson of Penhold Elementary School shared what it means to have Penhold's very own cenotaph for Remembrance Day.
“It means that we can understand and learn about it (Remembrance Day), said Bichel.
“It makes me feel proud that I knew somebody that fought for us and our freedom,” said Johnson, noting her grandfather and present-day soldiers fighting wars today.
“Some places still have wars right now.”
Susan Dillabough is vice-principal at Penhold Elementary School and noted the importance of children being a part of the first Remembrance Day at the cenotaph in Penhold through their school video.
She said it's a good way for students from all three school communities to come together and remember those who fought and sacrificed.
“Having the cenotaph is great. It gives the students a visual and it helps them remember,” said Dillabough. “Every time they come here, they can look at it and read it. It brings that remembrance to them and reminds them what Remembrance Day is all about.”
Meanwhile, the Remembrance Day Memorial Service at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion will commence at 9.45 a.m. on Nov. 11 in the auditorium.
As in previous years there will be a video relay to the legion's clubroom for those who are unable to be accommodated in the auditorium.
At 10.45 a.m. all will be invited to assemble at the cenotaph for the wreath- laying ceremony, with the two-minute silence at 11 a.m.
After the ceremony, everyone is invited to return to the branch for refreshments and sandwiches.
Susan Dillabough, vice- principal
"Every time they come here, they can look at it and read it. It brings that remembrance to them and reminds them what Remembrance Day is all about."
