Pincher Creek and area remembers

Chris Davis and Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The eleventh month, the eleventh day, the eleventh hour.  Those words ring clearly in the hearts of many Canadians.

Wreath ceremony at Matthew Halton School
C. Davis and T. Lucas photos

Colour Guard at Vista Village

This time every year is set aside throughout many countries in the world, both in and outside of the Commonwealth.  Originally it recognized the ending hostilities during the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. This was formalized with the signing of the Treaty on Versailles.  The first Armistice Day was held in 1919.  For almost a century Canadians have set aside 2 minutes on this day to commemorate those that we cherished and never returned, or returned forever changed in the act of fighting for our freedom.

This observance has grown to include those that are fighting to this day for freedom.  The rights held precious a century ago still ring true.  Freedom of speech, freedom from tyranny, freedom of the press, and the rights of democracy.  For these rights to be protected on our soil and abroad individuals have sacrificed personal freedoms, time, life and limb so we might revel in those ideals.  Canadians remember.

Colour Guard Parade at Matthew Halton School

Members of The Royal Canadian Legion # 43, Army Cadet Corp. 2309 of Fort Macleod and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were busy throughout the week.  Piped in by Hayden Varley, the Colour Guard Parade marched in and took their positions and  Past President of the Legion Ed Rouleau acted as Master of Ceremonies at Canyon, Matthew Halton, St. Michael's, and Livingstone schools on Wednesday and Thursday.  They also visited Seniors Centres and appeared once again during the community service at Pincher Creek's Community Hall on Sunday.

Cst. Bob Wright at Canyon School

RCMP Constable Bob Wright spoke to students at the schools on behalf of the Legion, reminding them that war also has an impact on the families and communities that our soldiers come from.  At each school songs, slideshows and prose reflected on the sacrifices of our veterans, saluted those still serving, and expressed hopes for a peaceful future.  Several veterans afterward expressed their thankfulness that their sacrifices were remembered by the young people of our community.

At Twin Butte's Veteran's Memorial

At Twin Butte's Community Hall John Mitchell gave the opening remarks.  Kevin Fitzpatrick led the crowd in the singing of 'O Canada'.  Kim Hardy sang 'Danny Boy', and Kris Skinner led the community in a recitation of "In Flanders Fields".  At the Twin Butte Veterans Memorial, located behind the hall, Blaine Marr and Buzz Mitchell read the Veterans' Roll Call.  Helen McNab laid the community wreath, followed by others with flowers.  Tim Hardy played "The Last Post" on harmonica before a minute of silence was observed.  The crowd then recited the Lord's Prayer before returning to the hall for tea and social time, with Kevin Fitzpatrick's piano music as a backdrop.

At Pincher Creek's Community Hall

Reverend Dave Goff

At Pincher Creek's Community Hall, after the Colour Guard was piped in, Jackie Therriault led the crowd in the singing of 'O Canada'.  Legion Padre Reverend Dave Goff said a prayer followed by The Last Post and the two memorial minutes of silence.  The moment was filled  reverence.  Even small children quieted as the hall stilled for private and personal reflection. After everyone was seated a letter from the Prime Minister of Canada was read aloud, along with a heartfelt message from Reverend Goff. The Laying of the Wreaths ceremony followed.  Wreaths were accepted and placed by Hal Sigurdson and Constable Bob Wright.  The first wreath, On Behalf of Bereaved Mothers, was presented by appointed Silver Cross Mother Rose Johnson.  Johnson is herself a Royal Canadian Air Force WWII veteran.  She laid the first wreath on behalf of all mothers who have lost children in the service of their country.

Wreath ceremony at Pincher Creek Community Hall

The next wreaths presented on behalf of Legion and government. 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. 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 and the piping out of the Parade.  Everyone was invited to the Legion after for hotdogs, chili, and camaraderie, where the Rhythm Kings provided a lively musical backdrop.

At the Legion

The Rhythm Kings entertain at the Legion

Born and raised in Pincher Creek, Adam Ernie Hahn was at the 2012 Remembrance Day ceremony at the Pincher Creek Community Hall on Sunday, and was visiting at the Legion afterward. At 98, Hahn has resided in Crestview Lodge for the last 8 years. He laid the wreath on behalf of the Lodge at the ceremony.  A veteran of World War 2, Hahn was assigned to the west coast of Canada. "We were in Terrace and Prince Rupert," he said.  Due to fear of a Japanese occupation in the sensitive area of the Alaska Territory Aleutian Islands it seemed that Hahn was destined to go north and west to fight in the war.   "Americans were coming home, so we didn't go to the Aleutian's.  There was a scare in Vancouver Island. They said there was a bomb that landed, so they shipped us there.  Once that was all clear, they shipped me overseas to Belgium."

Helen Nelson and Adam Ernie Hahn

Hahn stayed in Europe till 1946, assigned with helping during the European restructuring  after the war.  He has been to many Remembrance ceremonies over the years, and enjoyed the festivities at the Legion after ceremony in the company of his younger sister, 89 year old Helen Nelson of the Legion Ladies Auxilliary, and other friends and family members.

Army Cadet Corp. 2309 of Fort Macleod

Carole and Mayor Ernie Olsen

Colour Guard at Canyon School