An overflowing crowd of more than 600 Innisfailians packed the Royal Canadian Legion Auditorium to honour the fallen at this year's Remembrance Day Ceremony.
An overflowing crowd of more than 600 Innisfailians packed the Royal Canadian Legion Auditorium to honour the fallen at this year's Remembrance Day Ceremony.
And citizens were witness to the special and unexpected commemoration of Numi Stefanson, a Second World War veteran and current Innisfailian, with France's highest non-citizen award as a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour in recognition of his service to free France.
The Nov. 11 local ceremony was attended by hundreds of community citizens, men and women from the military, RCMP, cadets, and representatives from service clubs. Innisfailians aged three to 93 wore poppies proudly as many solemly remembered sons and husbands. Others recalled relatives they never met but still honoured.
Del Seabrook, president of Innisfail Legion 104, introduced the dignitaries and read a letter from Prime Minister Stephen Harper that expressed admiration and respect for the role of Canadian peacekeepers and soldiers up to the present day.
"The solders who fell defending Canada and our allies during wartimes, are the sons and daughters of Canada," said Chris Strong, member of Alberta's North West Command. "I was in Ottawa and spoke hours before the shooting of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo while guarding the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and like the death of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent shows, our military is still serving us."
Strong noted two overseas bases are being renamed in honour of the two fallen soldiers - Patrol Base Cirillo in Iraq and Camp Vincent in Kuwait - effective Remembrance Day to commemorate the two military men.
He told assembled citizens at the Innisfail ceremony there was also a special salute for 96-year-old Stefanson, whose valour in the Second World War has put him in a select group of heroes.
"I am honoured to present this medal to you, on behalf of the President of the Republic of France, and to thank you for your part in freeing France during the Second World War," said Strong, while presenting the international honour. "This medal has been given to only 600 individuals, of whom 6,000 were deemed to be eligible worldwide. "
The Second World War veteran said he served in the 12th Manitoba Dragoons and was part of the armoured car regiment with the rank of 'Trooper".
"I remember being on the barge along with our 'cars', or staghounds that held five men," said Stefanson after the ceremony. " Driver, co-driver, gunner, radio man, and our sergeant fit into a small cockpit.
"When bullets are flying, you sure are able to fit into tight sport," he added.
Stefanson was one of the initial Canadians who landed on the beaches of Normandy from Britain, and military duty took him from the beaches of France to Belgium, and finally to Germany.
The veteran calls Innisfail's Country Manor home and fellow 12th Manitoba Dragoon member, Cameron McNab, lives in Sunset Manor. McNab was not present for the ceremony.
Due to inclement weather, the laying of the wreaths was done indoors, with # 7 Penhold Cadet Squadron escorting the dignitaries to the front of the auditorium.
Innisfail's Kathleen MacPherson played the Last Post, and two minutes of silence was observed. This was followed by Piper's Lament and Reveille.
A short luncheon was served after for guests and attendees.
