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Residents pause to remember the fallen

Residents from across the area paused on November 11 to remember the fallen soldiers and war veterans. Many soldiers who are presently enlisted also attended the service.

Residents from across the area paused on November 11 to remember the fallen soldiers and war veterans. Many soldiers who are presently enlisted also attended the service.

The annual Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day Service at the Preeceville Legion Hall was lead by Jim Ward, Preeceville Legion member.

"Our Remembrance Day Service happens but once a year on November 11," said Ward.

"Many of us, however, remember this each day of our lives. The number of Legion members is declining each and every year. With that ‘Lest we Forget.’ We are here to remember our fallen comrades who gave their lives in all the wars. Also, to remember many comrades who have past away. Many of these people gave up their lives in the First and Second World Wars to give us the freedom that we have today. Since then Canadians have fought other wars and many have given the supreme sacrifice of dying for our country so that we may have and enjoy the freedom we have today."

At this time of year, millions of Canadians pay their respects to the veterans who have fallen in the service of our nation. They also honour those who are still serving in the Canadian Forces and RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), whether they are in areas of conflict, taking part in operations to maintain peace or serving on humanitarian missions.

“We remember them by wearing a poppy close to our hearts. This year's service marks the 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War. On the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month we will be united in silence,” stated Ward.

The Good Spirit School Division Band accompanied the audience with the singing of O Canada, as well as the hymns Holy, Holy and Holy and Abide with Me.

Reverend Miles Russell gave the call to worship and sermon.

Jim Ward recited the names of the fallen soldiers from the area.

Pastor Hein Bertram recited the prayer and the Lord's Prayer. Bertram also gave the benediction and scripture reading, Micah 4:1-4.

Last Post and Reveille was played by Bertram.

The Preeceville School students performed a candle lighting ceremony and Maicey Scheller recited the poem In Flanders's Fields. The students’ Remembrance Day posters were displayed on the wall of the hall during the service.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of numerous individuals, business and organizations.

Constable John Huber laid a wreath on behalf of the Federal Government; Constable Ryan Coleman laid the Provincial Government wreath; Teresa Chupik, Motherhood; Hein Bertram, Fatherhood; Larry Larrivee, Legion; Private Fredrick Welder, First Word War veterans; Private David Welder, Second World War veterans; Captain Troy Rogowski, Korean War veterans; cadet Zachary Larson, cadets and Town of Preeceville; cadet Jordan Lowe, Rural Municipality of Preeceville; Ron Neitling, Knights of Columbus; cadet Matthew Carlson, Credit Union; Bonnie Paul, Paul’s Drugs; cadet Almina Kovcic, Peet Law Firm; cadet Zanthany Olson, Lions Hostel; cadet Eric Prestie, Preeceville Medical Clinic; cadet Rayanne Westermann, Preeceville Agencies; cadet Audrey Vargas, Gateway Coop; cadet Ben Larson, Pattison Agriculture; Brad Romanchuk, Village of Endeavour; Nellie Knihniski, Catholic Women's League, Preeceville branch; Ron Neitling, Lion's Club; cadet Christian Acosta, Lioness Club and Wilf Ward; Art Crozier and Shayla Roelens, Norman Wall; cadet Trina Correas, Preeceville School; cadet Juan Mesa, Sturgis Evangelical Church; Jainylle Gagnon and Myrandah Gagnon in memory of James Streeton; Laura Crozier, Cliff Crozier  and John Crozier crosses; Candace Kuta  for Preeceville Personal Care Home and Sturgis Care Home; cadet Braden Mclean, St. Patrick's Roman Catholic, Sturgis branch; Donna Chalupiak, Preeceville Museum; cadet Zanthany Olson and Mona Zubko, Anthony Luchinski; Gerry Fairburn, Preeceville Long Term Care; Elaine Simpson, Henry Swan and cadet Matthew Newton, Preeceville Shop Easy.

The service concluded with God Save the Queen and the retirement of the colour party by the 606 Harvard Air cadet squadron.

A wreath was laid at the cenotaph outside the Legion Hall and at the Town of Preeceville Administration building.