Nickel Belt News
Volume 55 Number 45
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thompson, Manitoba
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Remembering sacrifice BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITZEN.NET
Thompsonites gathered at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena Nov. 11 to remember the more than 117,0000 Canadians who gave their lives in wars and armed conflicts ranging from the Boer War to the First World War and Second World War, the Korean War, in peacekeeping missions and in Afghanistan. “The hostilities of the First World War ceased on Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 a.m., the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” said ceremony emcee Oswald Sawh. “The following year marked the first observance of the day to remember and to honour those who died as well as to give thanks for the sacrifice of those who came back from serving their country. Since then Canadians have fought other wars and many have given their lives so that we might enjoy freedom today.” Mayor Dennis Fenske took note of the many members of the Sparks, Brownies, Girl Guides, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and air cadets participating in the ceremony. “It’s always encouraging to see youth attending this service,” said the mayor. “Service to one’s community and country is an important lesson in life best learnt by the youth.” Fenske also emphasized that people should not take for granted what so many died for. “We must always re-
Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham Thompson Fire & Emergency Services Capt. Jim Lamb salutes after laying a wreath during Remembrance Day ceremony at Thompson C.A. Nesbitt Arena Nov 11. member the efforts of Canadian military personnel, past, present and future who will serve our country in foreign lands as brave soldiers in the defence of our shared values and beliefs at home. As Canadians it is our shared responsibility to remember them not only today, this Remembrance Day but every day through our daily actions
and commitment to peace. We must continue to uphold and demonstrate the values that define us as Canadians and not to take for granted what others paid the ultimate sacrifice for.” Churchill MP Niki Ashton reminded attendees that many of Canada’s first people served the country that grew up around them in war.
“Today we also think of the many First Nations and Métis veterans from our region that went off to fight in wars past and who are currently serving,” she said. “As we speak the names of the fallen and as we stand up for the living we reaffirm the values for which they fought: peace, justice, dignity.” Remembrance is not lim-
ited to Nov. 11, said Thompson MLA Steve Ashton, nor reserved for those who never came back. “Remembrance Day is just but one day of the year when we can thank them for their sacrifice,” said Ashton. “Let’s commit ourselves to supporting not only our soldiers but our returning veterans. Let’s support our veterans’ organiza-
tions like the Legion and the Army Navy that do so much good work in our community and communities across Canada. Most importantly, as we benefit from the freedoms that we have in this country, let’s remember not just today but 365 days a year that it didn’t just happen. It was very much a part of so many people that paid the ultimate sacrifice.”