Remembrance Day will be marked in many different ways in Westlock, the Village of Clyde and schools all around the county.
Recognized every Nov. 11 since the First World War ended in 1918, the day is set aside to recognize and remember those friends and family members who fought in armed conflicts around the globe and gave the ultimate sacrifice in defence of freedom.
In Westlock, the Westlock Legion is holding a non-denominational service starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Westlock and District Community Hall, said Legion manager Avril Campbell.
The ceremony will last about 30 minutes, and will be capped off with two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.
Following the two minutes of silence will be the laying of the wreaths.
“I get lots of people that come and say they would like to lay a wreath on behalf of someone,” Campbell said.
Once all the wreaths have been laid, Reveille will be played to wrap up the ceremony. A lunch will follow the ceremony, with the Thunderbirds football team acting as servers for the meal.
For those who would like to lay a wreath at the cenotaph at the Heritage Building, Campbell said the opportunity to do so will come at around 11:30 after the wreaths have been laid at the hall.
“A lot of people come and get wreaths to put on a family member’s grave, but a lot of people don’t have that opportunity,” she said. “So, if they want to lay a wreath for someone, they’re more than welcome to come over to the cenotaph and lay a wreath.”
Clyde
In the Village of Clyde, Isaac Brower-Berkhoven will be acting as the MC of the village’s events.
He said a service will start at 10:30 a.m. in the community hall, with a wreath laying at the cenotaph at 11 a.m.
Following the wreath laying ceremony, Brower-Berkhoven said there will hopefully be a lunch provided.
Plans for the morning were put together after the usual organizers chose not to run the ceremonies this year, he said. Instead, the Clyde and District Ag Society took over the reins late last week. “We’re going to make it happen,” Brower-Berkhoven said.
With Remembrance Day falling on a Sunday this year, area schools will be holding their ceremonies a few days early.
At St. Mary, the ceremony will take place on Nov. 9, starting at 10:30 a.m. The highlight of the event will be a current military member speaking to students. R.F. Staples hosts its event on Friday, Nov. 9, while Busby will hold an assembly starting at 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 9.
Dapp’s ceremony is on Nov. 8 at 10:40 a.m., and will include two speakers and several classes making their own presentations.
Eleanor Hall School in Clyde is holding its events at 2 p.m. on Nov. 9. The plan is to have a veteran speak to the students.
At Westlock Elementary School, there will be a morning announcement and a discussion of what is special about Remembrance Day, with Last Post concluding the ceremony.
