Thompsonites gathered at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena shortly before 11 a.m. on Remembrance Day Nov. 11 to honour soldiers and veterans who served, fought and died in wars and peacekeeping missions.
The ceremony took place 101 years to the day that guns fell silent to end the First World War.
“It’s so important to remember those who fought in the wars so we could be here today,” said Mayor Colleen Smook before a gathering that included Thompson RCMP officers and Thompson Fire & Emergency Services personnel in dress uniform as well as the 737 Royal Canadian Air Squadron Cadets, Scouts and Girl Guides.
Thompson MLA Danielle Adams noted that 620,000 Canadians served in the Second World War, including more than 76,000 Manitobans and that seven Manitobans were among the Canadian Armed Forces members who were killed while serving in Afghanistan.
“Our country would be a very different place if not for them,” said Adams. “Our tragedy was known to all families, regardless of class or creed. They fought for the preservation of our institutions, our traditions and our values.”
The upcoming year will mark the 75th anniversary of Canadian soldiers arriving to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation near the end of the Second World War, said June Bourguignon, speaking on behalf of MP Niki Ashton.
“Today we remember the women and men who have served our country, many of whom made a great sacrifice,” she said.
Master of ceremonies Oswald Sawh said that he was born in a country without the same freedoms of Canada and that he appreciates the sacrifices soldiers and their families made despite not having had any family who served.
Father Guna Sekhar of St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church led those assembled in prayer.
“For all who have lost loved ones due to war, we pray,” he said. “To all those who continue to suffer due to war, we pray. We also pray for healing and for peace in the world.”
Elder Jack Robinson performed a pipe ceremony and expressed the hope for a more peaceful future.
“We pray, oh Creator, that we never see wars like that again.”
