Remembrance Day in Whitecourt, sombre and beautiful

This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony saw a venue change from Central School’s gymnasium to the fieldhouse at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre. With construction continuing at the school, organizers had to change things up, using the ample space up at the AJMC instead.

One big part of the yearly event that also changed was the march. Since the ceremony was no longer downtown, this year’s parade had members walking from the pool changeroom area of the AJMC to the fieldhouse. Though short, the entrance, led by the wailing bagpipes of Landis Vandermeer, was still impactful as veterans and members from the RCMP, Whitecourt Fire Department, Canadian Forces, and Cadets marched in together.

Led by Pastor Emma Guenter, the ceremony began at 10:30. The large group of attendees sang O’ Canada and then listened to a scripture reading and prayer. Pastor Guenter read last year’s winning poem from the Whitecourt Legion’s poster/literacy contest, titled Long Live the Memory. Stephanie Cunningham was the winner, a grade 10 student from Hilltop High School. “We must remember all that they fought, sacrificed life for our freedom, our peace—strain and agony they had to endure as they watched more of the soldiers decrease. But I was not there on the battlefield. I did not witness the suffering or cries. The fire of their bullets that would not yield of the terrible cloudy tear-gassed skies. Remembering their name and their story, their mighty acts of heroism survive. Live with the memory of their glory, be proud of their choice to fight for our lives. Many memories in our hearts and minds. We live every day with constant reminds.”

Following the poem reading, Pastor Guenter introduced Lt. Riley Huzar, who then addressed the crowd. “I would like to thank everyone today for attending the Remembrance Day service. Today is one in which we all remember the many who sacrificed for us, fought for us and died for us. Today is also one to remember those who continue to sacrifice and serve Canada. This includes the service men and women of our Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the important families of those serving the armed forces and the numerous volunteers who have all selflessly represented and upheld our country’s values.”

As of 2019, there was 72,000 personnel in the Canadian Military. This year, the CAF looks to add nearly 6,000 more members and recently announced they would be accepting permanent residents too. Permanent residents are citizens who have lived in Canada for ten years but do not have citizenship. This move came following low recruitment levels.

“As we see from past and present world events, freedom is an invaluable piece of our existence and our everyday living. It is not something to be taken for granted. To all those I have mentioned, we thank you for your part in giving us freedom that we are still fortunate to experience,” said Lt. Huzar. “Although freedom is priceless, it can come at a cost. Not only do we remember those who have bravely fallen, but we must also remember those who have been gravely injured and, as a result, suffer with physical and mental scars. It is a sad but real part of combat that leaves so many to face a new form of life after an injury. To those, please know you are remembered, and we thank you and continue to support you.”

Lt. Huzar then shared his personal family history. “I’m a third generation to serve in the Canadian Forces. My great-grandfather, two uncles, and my grandfather all served. Both my great-grandfather and uncle were injured, but luckily they returned home. My grandfather talked about the camaraderie and grief of WW2 and the never-ending pride for his country. When I was in high school, I also attended the Vimy Ridge ceremony in France, and it was a humbling experience that stays with me to this day.”

He called serving in the CAF a rewarding challenge and a unique way of life. Nods could be seen in the crowd as service men and women agreed which his description. “Many will never experience or understand (it). Words can never express the thanks we give to our veterans and our active members. What you have all done and continue to do will never be forgotten,” he concluded.

Trumpeter Isaiah Matson performed the Last Post, followed by a moment of silence. Landis Vandermeer then performed the Lament, followed by Matson again for the Rouse. Both did well sharing their talents with the crowd before them.

Twenty wreaths were then laid at the foot of the white wooden cross at the front of the ceremony. MP Arnold Viersen, MLA Martin Long, Whitecourt Mayor Tom Pickard and Woodlands County Reeve John Burrows each laid one, followed by Legion president Brian Scott, and members from the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, Whitecourt Fire Department, Air and Army Cadets, Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce, Whitecourt District Ministerial and the Guides/Brownies/Sparks. The first wreath laid was the Memorial Silver Cross in honour of Corporal Cole Bartsch. After the wreaths were laid, the parade members stood, filtered out of their rows and made their way out of the fieldhouse. The ceremony then wrapped as guests went downtown to the Whitecourt Legion for lunch.