By Eraina Hooyer
Staff Reporter
War stories, heroes and loved ones will be remembered and recognized for their efforts and successes on Aug. 24 at the Ponoka cemetery.
The Ponoka Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will be honouring all deceased veterans during their annual Decoration Day.
As part of the remembrance ceremony a group of volunteers from the Legion will be placing Canadian flags on all of the 299 veteran gravestones.
Verlea Mack, organizer of Decoration Day, says that traditionally the flags are placed on the graves and left there from sunrise to sunset but that this year they will be placing the flags before 8 a.m. believes that the many Canadian flags on the gravestones will make for a beautiful sight.
“I think it will be really pretty to see the flags on the graves there,” said Mack.
Brian Melbourne, pastor of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, will be conducting a special service at 1 p.m by the cenotaph where veterans will march in and take their stand.
Following the ceremony will be a potluck lunch in the clubroom at the Legion.
Mack believes that it is important to honour those veterans that have fought in the wars and to show appreciation for all they have stood for and done for the country.
“We feel that we should remember those that fought and those that have given their life so that we could have our freedom,” she said. “We would like to see many people come out. Young and old are invited to join with us and remember these veterans.”
The Legion has been a part of the community for many years and continues to play an active role in the town. The Legion continues to work to keep the history and memories of the veterans alive through events.
The Legion is celebrating its 80th year this year and Mack also encourages everyone to learn what the Legion is all about and what it is involved with in the community and as a club.
For more information contact the Legion at (403) 783-4076.