As hundreds gathered at the Ralph Klein Centre for the Remembrance Day service on Sunday, the message from speakers was to honour and be grateful for the sacrifices our Armed Forces have made during the many wars and peacekeeping missions Canada has been involved in.
"The biggest thing to remember today -- and every day -- is the sacrifice that all veterans and soldiers have done for you so you can be free today," guest speaker and Sergeant-at-arms Leslie Manchur said.
She noted Canadian Armed Forces personnel remain vigilant in "an ever changing era" where there is "uncertainty."
"Remember, if you see a soldier, stop them, shake their hand and say 'thank you,' because little things mean a lot to a soldier," Manchur said.
Wayne McCracken, an instructor at Bowden Institution, gave the address.
"I think of the 61 years that I've had to live in Canada. It's an amazing 61 years," he said.
"Every day in those 61 years I've had the right to believe the way that I chose to believe, politically, religiously.
"Not everybody's had that. I've been on several work trips to other countries where I've seen people who don't have those freedoms," he added.
McCracken noted he has six grandchildren.
"I think I would love to get my children and grandchildren to some of those countries to see what it is like not to have the freedoms that we have."
Chaplain Harold Hunter echoed that theme during the opening prayer.
"We pause to say thanks for gathering us together today in this time of remembrance," he said.
"Thousands have laid down their lives to preserve the measure of peace that we enjoy.
"May your blessings be upon every gathering across this nation as we gather to say thanks.
"And may we never forget you are the peacemaker. We trust you now, and forever."
Padre Charles Johnston indicated the sacrifices of those who died or were injured were well worth it, quoting the The Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 in the Bible:
The Olds Community Chorus sang two songs: Let There Be Peace and Hymn To Freedom.
At sunset on Sunday, 100 bells rang out at Olds United Church to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
