OLDS — Holy Trinity Catholic School held a Remembrance service Wednesday in the school gym.
Tribute was paid to fallen soldiers, peacekeepers as well as all those who keep us safe, like police and firefighters as well as ambulance crews and frontline health workers.
Attending the ceremony were Cst. Alex Olds Gabriel of Olds RCMP; Justin Andrew, the town's protective services director; firefighter Josh Watkins; Leslie Manchur of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #105 and Capt. Ed Wiper of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 185.
Some army and air cadets were also on hand.
Manchur, as well as several students, made the point that without those soldiers and peacekeepers laying down their lives during the First and Second World War as well as the Korean War and other conflicts, we would not have the freedom we enjoy today.
“They died for Canada,” the crowd was told. “By remembering this service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve."
“On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought so hard to achieve.”
“They have lived through a hardship we can never imagine and for that, they deserve our eternal respect and gratitude.”
A couple of prayers were delivered.
“Spirit of God, move again over the waters of your creation, drawing life from the chaos.
“Bring reconciliation to the nations, removing the bitterness, greed and hatred that divide our hearts.
“Inspire the minds of all leaders with care for the needs of their people. That truth be standard as we seek to bring about a fair sharing of the goods of the earth.
“Help us to know you, the Father and Jesus, calling to mind Jesus’s words 'as often as you did it to one of these, the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.’
“Help us also remember today and throughout the year, to be at peace with ourselves and accept others as God made them.” Amen
Two students, Sidric and Autumn, shared the reading of the prayers for peace, reading from a prayer to social action.
“We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end war, for we know You made the world in a way that we must find our own path of peace within ourselves and with our neighbour,” Sidric read.
“We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation, for You have already given us the resources with which to feed the entire world, if we would only use them wisely," said Autumn.
“We cannot merely pray to you oh God to end despair, for You have already given us the power to clear away slums and to give people hope, if we would only use our power justly,” said Sidric.
“We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease, for You have already given us great minds with which to search out cures and healing, if we would only use them constructively,” Autumn read.
“Therefore we pray to You, instead oh God for strength, determination, and will power to do instead of just to pray, to become instead of merely to wish,” Sidric concluded.
A video of the song Shine A Light For Peace was shown.
In part it said, “shine a light for peace, let it shine ever bright
When all men see the light there’ll be peace on earth.
“Shine a light for hope let it shine ever bright. Let’s hope that soon there’ll be food for all and be peace on earth.
“Shine a light for love, let it shine in your heart. Show all the world that you care about peace on earth.”
Tyler read a passage from the Bible (John 14:27-29).
A portion of it said, “peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.”
“Today we say thank you,” a student said. “Thank you to the soldiers who fought and died for us as well as the soldiers and police officers who continue to protect our freedom.”
Manchur and her two granddaughters placed a wreath at the altar.
Manchur also recited the Act of Remembrance, an excerpt from the poem For the Fallen, by Laurence Binyon.
“They shall grow not old,
“as we that are left grow old.
“Age shall not weary them,
“nor the years condemn.
“At the going down of the sun
“And in the morning
“We shall remember them.”
“It’s so important to remember,” Manchur said.
She thanked all the school staff and students for “making this beautiful celebration and remembrance so wonderful and touching.”
She also thanked all those who have served in the military or continue to do so.
“Thank you very much for keeping us safe and free,” she said.
Manchur also thanked the RCMP, firefighters, ambulance personnel and all other first responders as well as frontline health workers for all they do.
“They have a very important job to do and we appreciate them," she said. “So thank you very much.”
