PREECEVILLE - The annual Remembrance Day service held at the Preeceville Community Hall paid respects and honoured those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The service was back to its traditional full service after having outside virtual recorded services for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Preeceville Legion hosted the service on November 11.
The service began with the entrance of the colour party brought in by legion members followed by the singing of O Canada.
Bill Lesko gave the opening remarks, closing remarks and recited the names of those who perished in war from the local area. He also recited The Act of Remembrance.
“We are gathered here today to Remember,” said Lesko. “November 11 marks the end of the First World War.”
It was 1918, the eleventh month, eleventh day and the eleventh hour that the guns of fell silent. Thousands had been fighting in the trenches of Passchendaele, Somme, Ypres, Flanders, Beaumont-Hamel and Vimy Ridge. Canada had lost 66,000 military personnel and 172,000 were wounded. The war that was to end all wars had come to an end. It is important that we take time to reflect on the past and appreciate the freedom secured for us by those who lived and fought for us.
“Remembrance Day is a time-honoured tradition to recognize the sacrifice of our serving Canadian Forces, and those who have served in combat and peacekeeping throughout the world. It is a time of somber reverence and grief, but also appreciation. By remembering their service, their courage and their sacrifice, we appreciate the legacy of peace and freedom these men and women fought so bravely to preserve,” he concluded.
Pastor Hein Bertram played the Last Post and Reveille.
Olivia Ivanochko and Sarah Masko recited In Flanders Field and Commitment to Remember.
Pastor Scott Carroll gave the prayers, benediction and blessings.
Wreaths were laid by individuals and businesses. Nathan Karcha laid wreaths on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and Canada. Adrienne Larivee laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion and veterans. Others who laid wreaths included: Ralph Ager, Mayor, Town of Preeceville and Preeceville Lions; Brad Romanchuk, Mayor of the Village of Endeavour; Marianne Suknasky, Sturgis CWL; Elaine Christopherson, Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary; Jeremy Mattison for Carlott Mattison and John Rivney; Candace Keta, Preeceville Personal Care Home; Rachel Roelens for Cliff Crozier; Donna Chalupiak, Preeceville Museum; Laura Roelens, Jack Crozier, Leah and Will Prestie for Norman Wall; a wreath was laid on behalf of Antonio Prystay by Ed Prystay; Darwin Chalupiak, St. John Lutheran Church; Rhonda Cook, Kevrhon Trucking; Gabe Goodsman, Preeceville RM; Camryn Nelson, Paul;s Drugs Store; Chris Belesky, Co-op, and Michelle Erickson on behalf of Preeceville Shop Easy.
At the conclusion of the service a wreath was laid at the outside cenotaph by the Town of Preeceville administrative building and at the outside cenotaph in front of the hall. Lunch was provided by the cadet parent support group.
