WESTLOCK/CLYDE — After going outside for two years due to COVID restrictions and then being held at the Westlock Memorial Hall in 2022, Remembrance Day ceremonies will be returning to the Westlock and District Community Hall this Saturday, Nov. 11.
“This year, we’re back in the big hall,” said Legion chaplain Marjorie Steele, who will be delivering an address during the ceremony.
Doors open at 10 a.m., with the service to begin at 10:45 a.m. In most respects, the ceremony will be the same as in other years, though Steele suggested she will likely acknowledge the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza conflict in her message.
Steele said organizers are anxious to see how many people turn out for the event, noting they had 300 guests at last year’s ceremony in the Memorial Hall, which is “pretty good” considering its size.
Following the service, there will be a lunch with refreshments. Steele said the Legion provides the food, but the meal will actually be prepared by the Westlock Thunderbirds football team, which receives an honorarium in exchange.
Those attending the service are also welcome to come to the Westlock Legion lounge afterwards for visiting.
Later that evening, the Legion will also host a Remembrance Day banquet. Cocktails are at 5 p.m., followed by the banquet at 6 p.m.
Tickets to the banquet are free for veterans but cost $15 for everyone else. They can be purchased at the Legion office or by calling (780) 349-4046.
Clyde service
A Remembrance Day service will also be hosted at the Clyde and District Complex starting at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 11.
Depending on what the weather is like, participants in the ceremony will either walk over to the cenotaph along Clyde’s main street to lay wreaths and observe two minutes of silence, or they will stick to the complex and do a ceremonial laying of wreaths there.
There will be a potluck lunch following the service. Anyone wishing to lay a wreath should get in contact with Jim Rau at (780) 348-5774.
Jarvie service
The community of Jarvie will also host a Remembrance Day service at the Jarvie cenotaph along the hamlet’s main street next to the playground.
The service will begin at 10:45 a.m. The ceremony will be much the same as in previous years, and there will be refreshments to follow at the Jarvie Community Centre.
kberger@barrhead.greatwest.ca
