Neepawa honours those who served

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Published on Thursday, November 16, 2017

 Hundreds gathered at the Yellowhead Hall in Neepawa on Saturday, Nov. 11, for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. (Pictured) Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, followed by the Neepawa Legion Ladies Auxillary, Air Cadets and several youth groups march in front of the crowd.

Eoin Devereux
Neepawa Banner & Press

Like so many other communities across Canada, Neepawa recently paused and paid tribute to those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom. The Yellowhead Hall was filled to capacity on Saturday, Nov. 11 for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

People of different ages and backgrounds were all joined as one in respectful silence during the event, which marked the 99th anniversary of the end of the World War I. As well, there was the ceremonial laying of the wreaths from representatives of the Town of Neepawa, the RCMP, Royal Canadian Legion and several other regional organizations and service groups.

Neepawa Royal Canadian Legion Branch Number 23 president Brent Hunter was pleased to see such a wide demographic of people attending. He added that as the years progress, it becomes more and more important to remember.

“As the years go on, fewer and fewer of our veterans from World War II remain. [Neepawa and surrounding area] don’t have many of those veterans left. There’s only eight left, with three able to attend the ceremony.  So, it’s important that we, as a community and as a nation, ensure the next generation knows about the sacrifices of those who served,” said Hunter.

Neepawa Legion Ladies Auxiliary member Susan Mashtoler echoed those remarks, adding that it was very gratifying to see so many people coming out to show their respects to those who have served and continue to serve.