Under cloudy skies and windy, cold temperatures, a solemn gathering convened at the Vermilion Cenotaph on November 11 for the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. In a powerful display of solidarity, many community members came together to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to honour those who continue to dedicate their lives to ensuring the freedoms and democracy cherished by all.
The poignant ceremony featured a march that included military personnel from Wainwright, the resonating notes of the National Anthem and Royal Anthem, the haunting tones of the Last Post and Lament, the uplifting sound of the Rouse, and a reflective two minutes of silence. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 Chairman, Comrade Wayne Freestone, emceed the ceremony and also led the Act of Remembrance, while Legion Chaplain Gordon Hill offered prayers and the benediction. The event culminated in the laying of wreaths, a symbolic gesture performed by esteemed dignitaries and families alike. Special guests attended to pay tribute to those who have fallen and those who continue to serve.
In this solemn gathering, Vermilion stood united, offering gratitude to those who sacrificed and pledging to ensure that the memory of their service endures for generations to come.
Following the ceremony, a light lunch was served at the Vermilion Royal Canadian Legion.
Throughout the week, the Royal Canadian Legion held similar ceremonies at Vermilion Elementary School, J.R. Robson School, and St. Jerome’s School accompanied by the Vermilion Army Cadet Corps. The Legion also held ceremonies at the Mannville and Innisfree Schools. They also conducted a ceremony at the Vermilion & District Housing Foundation. In addition, the Legion placed poppies and wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers in the Vermilion; and wreaths in Mannville, and Minburn cemeteries.
On November 9, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 hosted its first annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner to honour veterans in the community, both past and present. During the evening, Associate Service Officer, Comarade Peter Clark led a recognition of veterans. A toast to the King was delivered by Sergeant at Arms Comrade Ed Reddy, while a toast to fallen comrades was also performed. Grace for the buffet-style roast beef dinner was said by Branch Service Officer Comrade Gordon Hill.
Comrade Rhonda Hayduk led a poignant tribute to fallen comrades, stating:“As you can see, there is an empty table setting with only one place setting. It represents the fragility of our comrades in the face of oppression. The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of their intentions when they answered their nation’s call to arms. The red rose represents the families and loved ones who continue to keep the faith by recalling their sacrifices. The yellow ribbon around the vase signifies determination — the determination to give body and soul for a just cause. A slice of lemon reminds us of the bitterness of battle, and the salt symbolizes the tears of the families left in mourning. The glass is inverted because they cannot feast with us. The chair is empty. They are absent. Remember them, those among you who served with them or who live freely because of them.”
The evening was filled with conversation and remembrance among those in attendance.
“Field Marshal Alexander Branch No. 11 takes great pride in organizing and carrying out these services on behalf of the Town of Vermilion, and we thank everyone who helped make this yearly event possible. Lest we forget,” said Comrade Barry Roth.
In another act of remembrance, the Lieutenant-Colonel W.C. Craig Armoury, along with the Vermilion Archery Club, placed a shroud of poppies on each side of the Armoury’s front steps. This tribute commemorates the 194th Battalion (936 soldiers), who boarded the RMS Olympic under the command of Lt. Col. W.C. Craig at Halifax Harbour on November 14, 1916, during the First World War. While not all soldiers died in the conflict, the remaining veterans have since passed. The shroud of poppies will remain in place until November 15, marking the day after their departure.
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