By June How
The Norquay branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held its Remembrance Day service at 11 a.m. on November 11 at the Norquay Communiplex. Members of the former Pelly and Sturgis Legion branches joined with the Norquay Legion as they no longer have enough members to support branches on their own.
It was a cold windy day, but some of the members, along with the RCMP officers, marched from the Legion Hall after laying a wreath at the cenotaph. The rest of the members joined them at the Communiplex hall.
After the procession, which was led by RCMP, entered the hall, the colour party was seated on the stage, along with other persons taking part in the program. The program opened with the singing ofO Canada, which was followed by The Last Post, two minutes of silence were observed and then Reveille was played.
Laura Dahl, president of the Norquay Legion, opened the program saying: “They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”
The invocation was given by Eldred Hamm of the Pelly Fellowship Chapel.
Wreathes were then laid at the cenotaph by representatives of the federal, provincial and local governments, as well as the area’s rural municipalities, the health region, local and local businesses and individuals. More than 80 wreathes were laid this year.
The opening prayer was given by Sylvia Lozinski of Saint Thomas Roman Catholic Church. The hymn, Faith of our Fathers was sung with Kathy Ostafichuk of Hyas as the pianist. Scripture readers were Natasha Westerhound of the Covenant Church and Donna Lulashnyk of the Lutheran Church. This was followed by two numbers by the Woodland Chorus of Preeceville.
The meditation was given by Donna Lulashnyk and Genoveve Galay in place of Devin Seghers, who was unable to attend. The hymn Oh God Our Help in Ages Past was sung, followed by the closing prayer by Karen Filipowich of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Many of the veteran Legion members have passed away in the last year and others were unable to attend because of illness, it was said. “We remember them all in our thoughts and prayers.”
The benediction was given by Velda Dahlin of the United Church.
Immediately after the service a roast beef dinner, served by the Whistle Stop Restaurant, was attended by more than 150 persons. Laura Dahl said grace. The toast to the Queen was given by Dwayne Johnson. Ivy Nystrom was the winner of the 50/50 draw.
