Submitted
One hundred years ago on Nov. 11, 1918, in Ferdinand Foch’s railway carriage in the Forest of Compiegne, north of Paris, France, an Armistice was observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The First World War was a global war originating in Europe – the war to end all wars.
More than 600,000 Canadians fought in the First World War. Over 60,000 gave their lives and over 170,000 were wounded. This was “Canada’s War of Recognition and Independence.”
At Vimy Ridge, north and east of Arras, France, from April 9 to 12, 1917, over 140,000 Canadians fought where 3,598 men were killed and 7,004 were wounded.
The Royal Canadian Legion Speers/Hafford Branch 116 held their Remembrance Day Service at the Hafford Communiplex. Close to 200 people gathered to honour all the men and women who fought in all the past wars and to honour those who are still involved in conflicts around the world today.
The colours, carried by Army and Air Cadets along with Legion members and dignitaries were marched in by Peter Kingsmill, who also recited To Our Heroic Dead. Glen Clark from the Gospel Fellowship Church gave the Invocation and Scripture reading. The Lord’s Prayerwas sung by the Speers United Church Choir. A video, Tribute to Our Veterans, was played. This video honours all those from Speers and Hafford area who gave up their lives so that we may live free. Peter Derbawka read the letter from the Premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe. The poem by John McCrea, In Flanders Fields, was read by Tiana LaFreniere.
Esther Thachuk and Christine Gonda laid a wreath representing all mothers; Alan Tanchak laid a wreath for the Saskatchewan Government; Shannon Langley laid a wreath for the Royal Canadian Legion; and Cst. Mike MacFarlane laid a wreath for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A total of 57 wreaths or crosses were laid for businesses and individuals.
Jenna Gall, Michelle Gall and Kendra LaFreniere sang a song titled Super Market Flowers.
The service closed with the singing of God Save the Queenand the marching out of the colours, Legion members and dignitaries.
After the service, lunch was served by the Hafford Recreation Board.
Thank you to all who attended the service, the recreation board for the lunch and to the members of the Remembrance Day Committee who organized the service. A special thank you to all the men and women who served in the past wars and those who are still serving in wars around the world today.
