Relocating the community Remembrance Day service to River Valley School from the Sundre Royal Canadian Legion branch was the best thing to happen for the annual ceremony, according to many.
Comrade chaplain Tim Kirby said the Nov. 11 observance recognizing past and current sacrifices made by soldiers and veterans went very well. Only a few minor tweaks such as the placement of the speaker system as well as seats for legion members are planned for next year, he added.
The ceremony had previously been hosted at the local legion’s hall, which does not have a sufficient capacity to handle the large turnout that typically attends the service, he said. Some people told him in the past they had decided to leave when they could not even find any space to stand at the back, he added.
But the school’s gymnasium was “bright and fresh” and comfortably accommodated a larger-than-average crowd of more than 400, he said, adding services at the legion could not hold much more than 250-300 people.
“It was 100 per cent better,” he said, calling the change of venue the best move for the annual service.
Pleased to see such a large turnout, the chaplain said his “drive and direction” is to focus on ensuring that the Sundre legion branch does everything possible to help everyone of all ages in the community to remember.
“That was what it was all about,” he said about the big change, expressing appreciation for the school administration’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating the ceremony.
Kirby said he “absolutely” looks forward to again hosting the service at the school next year.
He is also grateful for the support from all of the organizations and businesses that purchased and brought their wreaths, taking them back after the service to be reused next year. Handling so many wreaths can be a big logistical hurdle for the legion’s members, so this new approach will facilitate the whole effort, he said.
All of the proceeds from the poppy campaign remain in Sundre to support local veterans, members of the RCMP and by extension the community also, he added.
This year’s poppy campaign raised a little more than $12,000, he said.
“That money stays here in town,” he said, adding funds have helped purchase equipment for the hospital, EMS and the Sundre Fire Department, as well as a recumbent bike at the Aquaplex fitness centre.
During the conclusion of the service, Kirby told the large crowd he appreciated the turnout of people who stayed the course during this transition.
“It’s been quite a job to move from the legion,” he said, adding he looks forward to continued collaboration with the school in the future.
Through conversations with principal Leslie Cooper-Shand, the chaplain said the legion was welcome to return annually.
“You can count on it; next year we’re here.”
