Taking time to remember

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Hundreds of people came together Saturday at community halls, schools and Legions to mark this year’s Remembrance Day.

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Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin MLA Rick Wilson said, “Remembrance Day brings together grateful people of Alberta and Canada.…Peace, freedom and democracy, those are gifts we enjoy thanks to those who served and continue to serve their mission. These gifts are not free and we enjoy them at great cost.”

Wetaskiwin County Reeve Josh Bishop said, “We really have to honour and respect those that are willing to lay down their lives to do the things that keep us safe, allow us to continue on with the freedoms we have and just enjoy life.”

Millet Mayor Doug Peel said it is the responsibility of those alive today to remember the sacrifices that were made. “(My freedom) was given to me by those who came before and sacrificed so much so now, it’s our responsibility to never forget their sacrifices.”

As the guest speaker in Millet, Master Warrant Officer Jarvis Malone said he was humbled to be at the services in the town and was impressed with the number of people who turned out to this year’s service.

“Part of the reason I joined was I wanted to be part of something bigger, something beyond myself and something I could do to help this country and other countries and other people who were suffering,” noting if people were to ask veteran and serving members they would probably have a similar sentiment of wanting to help to make the country and world better.

Cpl. John Alimchandani was the guest speaker at the Wetaskiwin service, which saw around 800 people in the Drill Hall.

Originally from Wetaskiwin, Alimchandani is a signals operator with the Canadian Armed Forces stationed at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, 1 CMBG Headquarters and Signals Squadron.

“It is incredibly humbling to be invited back to my hometown to speak on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces,” he said.

Deployed to Latvia to assist in training NATO soldiers and Ukrainian soldiers. Alimchandani  said while socializing a Ukrainian soldier brought out a Ukrainian flag covered in signatures and noted every single person who had signed that flag had died in the conflict with Russia.

“It is a moment that I will never forget and will be one of the most poignant memories of my life.…I, for one, have signed my name on many (Canadian flags) and have been grateful and blessed to come home. I am thankful for the peace and freedoms granted to us by the brave men and women currently in services, those who came before, those who fought and died. We must remember the grandparents, parents and children who took up the quarrel.”

He also told the children and youth in attendance that it is their responsibility to keep ceremonies like Remembrance Day and No Stone Left Alone alive.

“I encourage everyone here to talk to the local veteran community; please listen and learn from their stories.”

Representing the City of Wetaskiwin, Coun. Gabrielle Blatz said,” Today, we gather here on this solemn occasion to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.…We must also acknowledge the families left behind, whose pain and loss are immeasurable. Their sacrifice, too often overlooked, is profound. Today, let us extend our gratitude to the families who have endured heartache and loss, supporting their loved ones in uniform, and, in many cases, mourning their absence.”

Speaking on behalf of Wetaskiwin County, Coun. Dale Woitt said, “Let us recognize (today) as an opportunity to affirm our commitment to the freedoms we enjoy and the peace we cherish. We are the beneficiaries of the sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women. It is our collective duty to honour them, not just today but every day.”