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High Prairie remembers its heroes

Mac Olsen
for South Peace News

It was standing room only at the Royal Canadian Legion for the annual Remembrance Day service, impressing Legion president Don Ebbett.

“It’s getting bigger and bigger every year,” says Ebbett.

Members of Royal Air Cadet Squadron No. 539 and a Girl Guide/Pathfinder performed the March of the Colours to the stage and ‘O Canada’, Lament and Reveille followed.

Ebbett read the names of the 27 High Prairie and area residents killed in the First and Second World Wars. He also announced the passing of three veterans in 2009 – Pte. Ernest L’Heureux, F/O Laurie Savill and P/O Fred Spendiff – and asked everyone to think of all who have served in war, including the Canadian troops currently in Afghanistan.

One of the dignitaries, High Prairie RCMP S/Sgt. Steven Daley, read a message from Prime Minister Stephen Harper. M.D. of Big Lakes Reeve Alvin Billings, Town of High Prairie deputy mayor James Waikle and Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen also brought greetings.

Pastor Eric Kregel of the Bethel Baptist Church, Rev. Sharon McRann of the High Prairie United Church, Pastor Arnie Wyllie of the Church of Nazarene and Father Tony Chakkunga of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church performed the worship service. McRann offered some poignant thoughts about those who’ve sacrificed and died in war.

“One day every year, we pay homage to those who died in service to their country. We remember these brave men and women for their courage and their devotion to ideals. We wear poppies, attend ceremonies and visit memorials. For one brief moment in our life, we remember why we must work for peace every day of the year,” says McRann.

“For all these conflicts fought in far off lands, there is much to remember. Foremost are the people, the men and women who served wherever they were needed. They faced the difficult situations bravely and brought honour to themselves, to their loved ones and to their country. They were ordinary Canadians who made extraordinary sacrifices.”

McRann also says peace begins at home.

“We remember their faces, we remember their names. We strive to continue what they strived to gain. Peace in our hearts, peace in our hands, peace in our lives, peace in our lands. Peace unto you, peace unto me, peace unto all the world’s family. Let us remember those who gave and give so much. May God grant us peace. Amen.”

Pastor Kregel read Micah 4:1-4 and John 14:25-27. Pastor Wyllie read the prayers of Remembrance and Thanksgiving and Father Chakkunga offered the Benediction and Sending Forth.

Cpl. Larissa Halldorson of the cadets read ‘In Flanders Fields’. The service ended with ‘God Save the Queen’ and the March of the Colours.

Outside, veterans and representatives of many organizations laid wreaths at the cenotaph. Then a march was held, with the air cadets, RCMP, veterans and others going around the block.

Cpl. Larissa Halldorson of the Royal Air Cadet Squadron No. 539 read ‘In Flanders Fields’ during the service.

Don Ebbett, the president of the Royal Canadian Legion in High Prairie and emcee for the event, was impressed with the turnout. He also announced the names of the 27 High Prairie and area residents who died in both World Wars.

Reverend Sharon McRann, of the High Prairie United Church and the Royal Canadian Legion’s chaplain, offered some poignant thoughts about those who’ve sacrificed and died in war, including the families. She also stressed the importance of striving for peace.

Pastor Arnie Wyllie of the Church of Nazarene, above, offered the prayers of Remembrance and Thanksgiving. Father Tony Chakkunga of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church and Pastor Eric Kregel of the Bethel Baptist Church were also part of the service.

A few chosen members of the Royal Air Cadet Squadron No. 539 performed the March of the Colours. Left-right are Flight Cpl. Kevin Cramer, Cpl. Anthony Rudkin, LAC Conrad Kortuem-Starr and LAC Arden Kortuem-Starr.

George Bennett, a member of the High Prairie Royal Canadian Legion, was one of many people to lay a wreath at the cenotaph. Bennett served with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, ferrying planes where they were required.

Aboriginal veterans and surviving spouses attended the service. Above, left-right, are Anita Tomkins, Peter Willier and Punch Whitehead. Willier is from Driftpile First Nation and was recognized during a special ceremony in Driftpile later in the day.

The March of the Colours is a very colourful and respectful part of the service each year. Left-right are LAC Mark Vanderleest, LAC Julia Giroux, LAC Manon Leonard and Pathfinder Jaylene Lizotte for the High Prairie Girl Guides.

The Remembrance Day service was completed with a march around the block. The RCMP, volunteer firefighters, members of the Royal Air Cadet Squadron No. 539 and other dignitaries made the journey to honour all who have sacrificed in war.