Remembrance Day is a memorial day that has been commemorated in commonwealth countries since the official end of the First World War in 1918 to remember those in the armed forces who gave their lives in the line of duty.
The formal ending of World War 1 is signified by the German signing of the Armistice at the passing of the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. The moment of remembrance has since been observed at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, every year since 1918.
Veteran Affairs Canada states; "every year on Nov. 11, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. We honour those who fought for Canada in the First World War (1914-1918), the Second World War (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as those who have served since then. More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace."
This year, Canadians who have fought and died in wars in the Middle East were also remembered at the Remembrance Day service held by the Royal Canadian Legion, Carlyle Branch #248. This year's service was held in the gymnasium of the Carlyle Elementary School at 10:45 on Nov. 11.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Government of Saskatchewan, Army Cadets, and various community members gathered to pay their respects and remember the sacrifices made. Remembrance Day is especially important for young or new Canadians who have not lived long enough to remember, or whom have never known war. Remembrance day allows such individuals to "come to understand and appreciate what those who have served Canada in times of war, armed conflict and peace stand for and what they have sacrificed for their country," as stated by Veteran Affairs Canada. The service in Carlyle began with the marching in of the colours, followed by O Canada. The moment of remembrance began with the trumpet playing of "Last Post," a bugle call or short tune originating as a military signal, which is now used at funerals and ceremonies to commemorate those who have been killed at war.
A roll call was given, a reading of the names of those who died in service. The roll call was in honour of southeast Saskatchewan members of the armed forces, so we may remember the brave individuals from our area that died fighting for the freedom and peace of our country.
Along with the traditional proceedings of a Remembrance Day service -the marching of the colours, O Canada, silence, scripture readings, and hymns - Comrade Jack Wilson presented an enlightening slideshow.
Comrade Jack Wilson recently ventured overseas to revisit the places of battle and honour members of the armed forces who gave their lives in combat. It was a privilege to see photographs from places of battle and executions, mass graveyards of soldiers fallen, and hear his recollection of wars long past. Comrade Jack Wilson's presentation was enlightening and thought provoking, as he recalled tragedies and sacrifices many of us have never known, yet it is because of the sacrifices and suffering endured by individuals such as Comrade Jack Wilson that we Canadians have our freedom today.
As the service came to a close, with the Creation of Peace, Let There be Peace on Earth, and God Save the Queen being sung, the Colour Party paraded all the way from the Elementary school to the Cenotaph for a short service. Three wreaths were lain at the Cenotaph, one for WWI and WWII veterans, one for all veterans who returned from war, and one for UN/NATO members.
The service was respectful, touching, and reflective. May we all give thought to the hardships and trials hundreds of men and women faced fighting for this country, may we not take their hard-work, determination, and suffering for-granted, and may we never forget.
