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 Preeceville Legion hosted the service on Nov. 11.The service began with the entrance of the colour party brought in the cadets followed by Legion members and 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. “Today is a solemn occasion, when we gather to pay respects and remember all those who have died and served in the military or RCMP, in defence of our country. The First World War ended in 1918 and the Second World War in 1945. Then we had Korea, Iraq, Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, each creating a new wave of veterans that have been impacted physically and mentally. We must never forget the sacrifices made by thousands.”
He continued with a quote, “Their eyes have seen what the protected will never know,” which was copied from a cenotaph in Alaska.
Pastor Hein Bertram played The Last Post and Reveille.
Olivia Ivanochko and Amber Spray recited In Flanders Field and A Commitment to Remember.
Pastor Brad Steppan gave the prayers, benediction and blessings.
Wreaths were laid by individuals and businesses. Larry Larrivee was the first to place a wreath on behalf of veterans. Others who followed were:
- Ralph Ager, Town of Preeceville and Preeceville Lions Club;
- Elaine Christopherson, Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary;
- Sharon Draper, Preeceville Museum and Preeceville Long Term Care;
- Cadet Kaiden Bourassa, Preeceville Funeral Home; and
- Dustin Hamilton, RM of Preeceville.
Maureen Johnson was accompanied by her granddaughters Jainyelle and Myrandah Gagnon in placing a wreath for Private James Streeton.
Other wreaths were placed by:
- Blaine Medlang, St. John Lutheran Church;
- Cadet Alex Prestie, Endeavour Pioneer Hotel;
- Brad Romanchuk, Village of Endeavour;
- Nellie Knihniski, St. Patrick’s CWL;
- Rhonda Cook, KevRhon Transport;
- Lydia Crozier for Cliff Crozier;
- Laura Roelens, for Jack Crozier;
- Leah Prestie for Norman Wall;
- Lydia Roelens, Laura Roelens and Leah Prestie on behalf of the Preeceville Personal Care Home;
- Cadet Kaulen Katryniuk for Sturgis St. Patrick’s Church, Preeceville branch;
- Cadet Kaiden Bourassa for Shop Easy;
- Shannon Nelson for Paul’s Drugs Store; and
- Chris Balyski for Gateway Co-op.
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.
