Remembrance Day ceremonies in Pincher Creek and Twin Butte

Twin Butte Remembers

Twin Butte Remembrance Day Ceremony

Chris Davis and Toni Lucas

The Twin Butte Community Society held the first Twin Butte Remembrance Day ceremony at the new Veteran's Memorial, adjacent to the Community Hall.

George Huddlestun

The Memorial was built to honour the sacrifices made by community war veterans and was completed in time for the 75th anniversary of the Community Hall, held on July 29 of this year.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

The ceremony began in the hall.  John Mitchell acted as Master of Ceremonies, and made the opening remarks.  Kevin Fitzpatrick led the crowd in the singing of the Canadian national anthem.  George Huddlestun and Dennis Smyth addressed the crowd, followed by Joyce MacFarland's reading of "In Flanders Fields". Gordie Lawrence and Bobby Peters shared the reading of the local veterans roll-call.  The crowd was then ushered outside to the Memorial, where the community wreath ceremony, the Lord`s Prayer, and the minute of silence was conducted by Dennis Smith.  At the conclusion of the ceremony everyone returned to the hall where Kevin Fitzpatrick provided a gentle backdrop of period music as people shared  coffee, tea, snacks, and good conversation.

Pincher Creek Remembers

Reverend Dave Goff

Remembrance Day was, as always, well attended at the Pincher Creek Community Hall on November 11, 2011.  The Royal Canadian Legion # 43 and Army Cadet Corp. 2309 of Fort Macleod and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were there to hold the services.  The Parade marched in and took their positions.  The room resonated with the Canadian National anthem, led by Jackie Therriault, sung with feeling and heart.  The ceremonies were solemn, and the gravity of the Last Post and the two memorial minutes of silence were weighted with reverence.  Even small children quieted as the hall stilled in private, and in many cases personal, reflection.

After Reveille, a touching letter from the Prime Minister of Canada was read aloud.  Legion Padre Reverend Dave Goff said prayers, setting a reflective and positive tone for the laying of the wreaths.

The Laying of the Wreaths ceremony was led by Hal Sigurdson and Bob Wright, who performed the duty with precision and respect.  The first wreath, "On Behalf of Bereaved Mothers", was laid was by Emily Rainford. 

The next wreath was presented on behalf of the Federal Government, and was carried by Joe Stockinger, followed by other government representatives. Families, individuals, businesses, churches, unions, organizations, clubs, and services were all on hand to lay their wreath, and if they could not be present, a cadet carried it for them.  This made a for a very visible display of remembrance along the entire front of the stage, wreaths three-deep.  Pincher Creek has not forgotten.

Once the last wreath was laid, voices raised once again, singing "Abide with Me", followed by "God Save the Queen", again led by Jackie Therriault.

MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Councillor Rod Cyr accepted the salute during the exit parade.