Volume 54 Number 46
Friday, November 14, 2014
Thompson, Manitoba
Providing you with expert advice, friendly service, and quality workmanship since 1983. We look forward to serving you. 91-A Kelsey Bay Thompson, MB R8N 1S3 Ph: 204-778-7048 Fax: 204-778-7124
Serving the Norman Region since 1961
Remembrance Day significance reinforced by recent events BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
The Remembrance Day ceremony at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena Nov. 11 took on an added poignancy in light of the recent killings of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in Ottawa and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent in Quebec on Oct. 22 and Oct. 20 respectively, events that many of the speakers made mention of. “On Oct. 22, 2014 we had no idea that our country was about to be shaken by the violence that occurred on Parliament Hill, the heart of our nation’s capital,” said Barbara Ellis, past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #244. “Just two days prior Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent died in a terror attack in Quebec. These tragedies that befell us just a short while ago remind us of the importance of the military, police, fire and security and emergency service personnel to defend and protect Canadians on our own soil as well as those who can’t defend or protect themselves abroad. As a Legion branch it is our duty to honour not only our veterans but those who are asked to stand and defend our country today.” Churchill MP Niki Ashton, who was in Parliament in Ottawa when the killing of Cirillo occurred, said these recent tragedies were on her and many other people’s minds. “For me, having experienced a bit of what happened in Ottawa and at our
Parliament, I think and I know all of us have in our hearts Cpl. Cirillo’s family and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent’s family as well, who did nothing more than to stand for our country as they do every day,” she said. “We thank them for that sacrifice. What we are here to remember is how to build a better future for our communities and our country. It’s important today that we also remember the aboriginal veterans who came from so many communities across Northern Manitoba. Many had showed great courage and came back to some difficult experiences here at home. Today we think of and we thank those that put their lives on the line to build a more peaceful world for all of us.” Thompson MLA Steve Ashton noted how many Canadians had served in the military and the tremendous loss of life that war has exacted. “Today we gather again to pay respects to more than 1.5 million Canadians who served this country in uniform,” he said. “We pay particular tribute to the 118,000 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice. And this year, in 2014, we’re reminded this is not just a part of our history, it’s a part of our reality today.” Deputy mayor Penny Byer urged those in attendance to appreciate the sacrifices made on their behalf. “It is our moral obliga-
Thompson Citizen photo by Ian Graham Members of the Thompson Royal Canadian Air Cadets 737 Squadron serving as the colour guard during the Remembrance day ceremony at C.A. Nesbitt Arena Nov. 11. tionDas Canadians to treat all veterans with respect and allow them the dignity they so well deserve,” Byer said. “But most importantly, it is our moral obligation to make sure those men and women have not died in vain and have not served in vain. It is our moral obligation to make
sure we do not abuse the privileges we enjoy as Canadians and take for granted the freedom.” Prayers from Father Guna Sekhar, co-pastor of St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church and elder Jack Robinson combined remembrance with hope for a more peaceful future.
“We come together today to remember in faith all who have served and continue serving in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle,” said Sekhar. “We also pray for healing and peace, that one day all peoples may lay down their arms and
embrace one another as brothers and sister in one human family.” “We are here today, Creator, to remember thousands of men and women who have died in the wars,” said Robinson. “We pray today, O creator, that some day all nations will come to peace, and live in peace.”