In a role as a photojournalist, I’ve done many, many Remembrance Day stories across the country. I don’t think I’ve missed a ceremony in nearly 30 years.
I’ve seen small ceremonies of just families who have lost a loved one to communities who stand outside in the cold around their cenotaph. I have even been privileged to play Last Post and Reville numerous times at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.
That said, it’s been a long while since I have seen a ceremony like the one here. I want to give a shout-out to the Royal Canadian Legion, Cadets, Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, and the community for showing up for the right reasons.
To the trumpeter, I’ve been in your place; you did an amazing job. It’s not easy being the focus of attention on what may have been the biggest stage of your life!
My wife, who’s been to enough of the same ceremonies, felt underdressed in what would be sufficient attire in Ontario.
She observed how everyone was dressed and thought it was more of a church service than we were used to.
From the moment the colours marched on through the end, almost nothing seemed out of place. It was also as quiet as many church services.
Stories shared of experiences of a long-dead veteran were listened to with rapt attention. Emotions flowed freely, and the real reason for the day seemed to be on everyone’s mind.
Did we hear the usual stories online of people in our community shopping and not stopping at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, yes, but for those in attendance, remembrance seemed to mean remembrance. It wasn’t a hindrance in their day.
Remembrance Day hits home for Mayor Gerald Aalbers. During his speech at the Comp, Mayor Aalbers took the opportunity to remind those in attendance to vote in the upcoming election.
Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to do much good as roughly only 18 per cent of our community took up their pen and exercised their right to vote.
Something is broken in that regard, a topic for another column down the road.
Now that the day has come and gone again, let’s not forget why they sacrificed.
We were a country that “was born” on the battlefields of Vimy, when, for the first time, troops from coast to coast fought side by side for a common goal. What we accomplished that day was something hundreds of thousands of British and French troops were killed or injured trying to achieve.
We came together, and your background didn’t matter. Nor did the political stripe of the guy fighting beside you in the trenches; you were fighting for a country.
This was made abundantly clear as the dozens of names of locals who paid the cost were read during the service.
Lest we forget appears not just to be a one-day-a-year, two-minute inconvenience in Lloyd. It’s yet another reason I’m proud to call this community home.
Read more: Opinion: Putting kids in the middle
Locally owned and community driven, the Lloydminster Meridian Source is the online news source in the Border City. Whether it’s breaking news, features or sports, if you have questions about what’s going on around town, Source it with us.
Since online platforms no longer support the sharing of news, we encourage you to bookmark meridiansource.ca. Whether you’re having a coffee or enjoying a meal, check in any time for the most up-to-date news in Lloydminster.
