Saluting their sacrifices

Details

Published on Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Photo by Eoin Devereux. Members of the RCMP led the march during the conclusion of the annual Neepawa Branch 23 Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day service.

Hundreds pack Yellowhead Hall for Remembrance Day ceremony

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

The Yellowhead Hall was filled to capacity on Friday, Nov. 11, as Neepawa paid tribute to those who have served and sacrificed to protect our freedom. Hundreds of people, running the gamut of nationalities, ages and religious beliefs, paused in respectful silence during the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. 

The event featured the ceremonial laying of the wreaths from representatives of the town of Neepawa, the provincial government, as well as the RCMP, Royal Canadian Legion and several other communities and organizations.

This year, attendance was up, as well over 600 people packed the Yellowhead for the service. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 member Bruce Bremner served as the master of ceremonies for the event. He said having so many people show their appreciation to those who serve, in this manner, is gratifying to see

“People from all ages are a part of this event, which is wonderful to see. It’s so important to ensure the next generation know about the sacrifices of those who served and understand the significance of the day,” said Bremner.

Fellow Legion member Ernie Sydor agreed with this sentiment, adding the lessons of war must never be forgotten.

“I think it’s important the young kids see this and understand and appreciate why it is that we can have what we have today. It’s because of those who sacrificed on our behalf. They did this for us. And some of them, many of them, never came home because of that sacrifice,”

Additional pictures from the Neepawa ceremony, as well as other events from across the region, will appear in the Friday, Nov. 18 edittion of the Neepawa Banner.