A beautiful service reflected the memory of the sacrifice that was made in wars throughout the years on the morning of Nov. 11.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Ponoka Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to take time with Canadians across the country to remember those who have and are serving their nation.
This year’s ceremony was especially notable as it marked the 90th anniversary of the First World War where over 60,000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives for their country.
The Ponoka ceremony began with a parade that started at ATCO Gas and ended at the Legion where comrade Bob Smith led the service with a welcome.
Dignitaries of the Town and County of Ponoka, the member of parliament and representatives from the Ponoka Air Cadets, Legion, etc. took part in the service with laying a wreath at the cenotaph.
MP for Wetaskiwin Blaine Calkins was honoured to be part of the Remembrance Day ceremony and took time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice these men and women made during the wars.
“They built us a nation,” said Calkins. “Much of what we have today was bought for us with blood and tears. It’s ceremonies like this that help keep the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We owe our veterans an incredible debt, a debt that can only be paid in remembrance.”
Mayor Larry Henkelman brought greetings from the Town of Ponoka and expressed his gratitude to the veterans and those who are fighting the war today.
“It’s very important that we take this time to appreciate, remember and respect the efforts of all our courageous men and women who have given us our rights and freedoms in the past and in the present,” said Henkelman.
Henkelman was glad to see so many people at the Remembrance Day ceremony and was pleased with the efforts of the community and the schools in Ponoka for honouring the veterans in various ceremonies and events. Henkelman also expressed his appreciation for the Legion.
“It’s great to see a good turnout for this special day,” said Henkelman. “The community and schools have done an amazing job honouring those who have fought. The Legion’s efforts and work that they put into our community is great, not just today but every day of the year.”
Different groups and organizations lined up to place their wreathes and show their respect and after the march off the colours, everyone met at the cenotaph for a placing of the wreaths.