Maybe it’s because Moose Jaw has 15 Wing and the Saskatchewan Dragoons.
Maybe it’s because Moose Jaw is home to the Snowbirds.
Whatever the reason, Moose Jaw always Remembers.
Close to 4,000 people filled the Mosaic Place stands on the morning of Monday, November 11 for the 101st annual Remembrance Day service honouring veterans both past and present who gave their lives in service of our country and those who continue to serve and protect today.
“Every year is the same but not the same,” said Rene Lachance, first vice president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59. “We get new people every year and it’s nice to remember our fallen comrades and the vets, but all in all it’s an important day for everyone who is involved in the military.”
The kind of support Remembrance Day receives on an annual basis in Moose Jaw carries vast importance to veterans, especially to see children in the stands taking in the proceedings with wide eyes and sense of wonder.
“It touches us really deeply, especially the new generation with the kids coming in, it’s really special. It brings tears to my eyes almost,” Lachance said.
As those who fought for Canada in conflicts over the last century age and pass on, seeing new men and women step up in their place is also especially heartening for older veterans – something that could be seen first hand as members of 15 Wing and the Dragoons stood on parade during the ceremony.
“It’s sad because we’re seeing less and less older veterans because they do pass away or they can’t make it,” Lachance said. “It’s nice to see mainly the same faces every year, but at the same time they’re bringing reinforcements, a younger crowd that will some day take over. So it’s good to see that.
The Remembrance Day ceremony was conducted by Legion co-Branch 59 chaplain Rev. Ron Cairns and included an invocation by co-chaplain Padre Maj. Dan Broome as well as a scripture reading by Dragoons chaplain Cpt. Rev. Linda Tomlinson-Seebach and prayers by 15 Wing Padre Capt. Eric Davis.
Retired Capt. Rick Elmer played the Last Post and Rouse, with piper Michelle Gallagher playing the Lament after the moment of silence at 11 a.m.
The event also included the Moose Jaw City Band and Friends playing O’Canada and the Royal Anthem, as well as a selection of songs by the Moose Jaw Community Choir.
The event concluded with the laying of wreaths by local and provincial dignitaries.
