There is something quite poignant about the Lament being played on the bagpipes, especially when hundreds of people come together to remember the efforts of Canada’s soldiers.
Remembrance Day at the Ponoka Legion has always seen a strong community support, but this year marked the centenary of Armistice Day. Its purpose and meaning was highlighted by longtime Legion member Hugh Green.
“It was used quite frequently from the end of the First World War until the Second World War,” explained Green.
At the time of the marking of Armistice Day, Green pointed out that German forces were in such a state that there was no way they could continue on with the war.
So began the process of withdrawal of German troupes and a complete cessation of hostilities. The actual Treaty of Versailles was not signed until June 28, 1919, explained Green; it took effect Jan. 10, 1920.
Speaking to the attendees about remembrance was Pastor Robin King, who discussed the idea of what it means to honour others. Showing love and compassion, “…for those who gave all that they could who sacrificed their lives and changed families and communities.”
“Do we honour them with our thanks? Do we honour them with living into the promise of what they provided?” King asked.
“Do we honour them just today, or everyday?”
Speaking about recovery was former bull rider Curtis Anderson who suffered a brain injury during a bad wreck at the Ponoka Stampede in 2002.
The injury was so severe that Anderson spent years learning to speak and take care of himself. “It would take two nurses to get me out of bed,” he explained.
Despite those challenges, he worked hard and continues to see growth and change. He learned to speak again and went from eating ice chips to pureed foods and now he can cut his own steak.
“Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but making the most of the cards,” explained Anderson.
“There is no reason to feel sorry for yourself except to cowboy up and keep on keeping on,” he added.
Anderson says the bottom line for people to remember is that there is no such thing as “I can’t.” His speech drew strong applause from attendees.
He concluded with a poem about a soldier and cowboy:
The Soldier and the Cowboy
The Soldier and Cowboy have fun
They spend their share of time in the red hot blazing sun
The Soldier and Cowboy have their own uniform
Sometimes they both can be in a storm
The Soldier and a Cowboy have their own knowledge
There is a few that stand alone with their courage
The Soldier and a Cowboy make their living off the land
You can tell the quality of a man by the shake of his hand
The Soldier and a Cowboy are independent
They watch each footstep they make as though it was made in cement
Everyone’s future looks bright
Our Soldiers fight for the freedom of the Red and White
The ceremony concluded with the laying of the wreaths at the Legion Cenotaph following by a potluck lunch and music by the Pipes and Drums of Edmonton Transit. The band was part of the march to the Legion and has been for many years now.