OLDS — It is up to us to teach our children about the sacrifices those killed or wounded in wars made for our freedoms, Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl said during for a Remembrance Day service organized by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #105 in Olds.
Dahl said our ancestors built what we have now.
“Today it is our duty and responsibility to educate our children and all people to never forget the service and sacrifices of more than one-and-a-half million Canadian soldiers, sailors, air crew, merchant seamen and peace keepers,” she said.
“Let us remember the loss of the lives of doctors, nurses, and medics who tended the wounded and dying and also never forget the families that waited at home.”
The CLC gym was packed for the service. In previous years, some empty seats remained, but this year, there was hardly an empty seat to be found.
Dahl also paid tribute to all those who continue to “serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.”
In his prayer during that gathering, Padre Charles Johnston also called on the crowd to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
He asked God to “watch over those who serve now in the Canadian Forces, both at home and overseas and for the police, firefighters and the paramedics who serve our communities.”
“We ask you God to open our eyes and the eyes of all nations to different paths from the deadly disagreements that plague our world,” Johnston said.
“May we find a vision of how people of the world can live together.”
Joy Cavin, who served as master of ceremonies, noted that this year marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force “as a distinct military element.”
Ceremonies held included the reading of the famous poem In Flanders Fields as well as performances of The Last Post, the Lament, and Reville.
Amazing Grace was played.
Sheila Peters of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #105 gave the Act of Remembrance.
The Evergreen Singers performed songs such as Let There Be Peace On Earth, Harbour Lights and We’ll Meet Again.
Forty-four wreaths were laid by government and community representatives as well as on behalf of Olds College, several non-profits and service clubs, as well as several community residents.
As in past years, a brief service was held at the Cenotaph in Centennial Park.
It too featured RCMP, firefighters, and members Royal Canadian Air Force cadet squadron 105.
Many community officials and residents also gathered around.
Padre Johnston spoke at this event as well.
“Oh God, we remember before you those who have laid down their lives for freedom and for truth,” he said.
He asked God to “help us to be faithful and true to those ideals for which they fought. May we continue to perpetuate the memory of our departed comrades by our service to country, community and friends.
“And remembering our solemn obligation, may we ever pray: Lord God of hosts be with us yet. Lest we forget, lest we forget.”
