Remembrance Day Ceremony in North Battleford

This morning I chose to pay homage to the women and men who have bravely served our country by attending the Remembrance Day Ceremony hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion #70 in North Battleford.

Although I have attended this ceremony many times in the past, this year I noticed a considerable amount of young people in the audience. Perhaps I had never noticed that before, or maybe something was driving young people to pay their respects this year more than before. Regardless, it was very encouraging to see.

The most sombre moment of the day came during the part of the program when the emcee had asked all of the Veterans to stand as she named off the various conflicts Canada has been engaged in. She called “World War II”, and 6 individuals rose to their feet. I look at them as was in complete awe of what they had gone through in service to Canada- a country that we all love. It was hard not to feel inadequate in these moments, for these people love their country so much that they were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice, and they live right here in North Battleford. Just like me.

The emcee continued with the Korean War Veterans, those individuals in Reserves, Peacekeepers, and so on. She then called out for those who were Active. That’s when a young man- probably in his mid to early 20s- rose to his feet right in front of me. He had been there the entire time sitting with his mother, and until then he was just another face in the crowd. I was humbled at the idea of sitting right behind somebody whose love of Canada and sense of duty was so strong.

It is certainly something that I will always remember.