PREECEVILLE - The annual Remembrance Day Service was very similar to the last year’s service with an outdoor service with the public being invited to the service online.
The service which is usually held at the Preeceville Community Legion Hall was moved to the outdoor cenotaph located at the Town of Preeceville administration building.
Flag bearers were Darwin and Donna Chalupiak and Phil and Agnes Murrin, and William Lesko was the master of ceremonies for the brief service.
The service kicked off with the playing of a recording of O Canada followed by the reading of the names of those from the community who lost their lives in war.
Pastor Hein Bertram played the Last Post and the Reveille. Two-minutes of silence was also observed.
William Lesko led the reciting of the Act of Remembrance that all those in attendance participated in.
“The events that have unfolded on the world stage since the First World War, have shown that we are not immune from the horrific effects of terrorism and intra-state conflicts will continue despite our best efforts. That is why, on Remembrance Day, we must take the tine to remind ourselves of the sacrifices’ made to preserve our basic freedoms and renew our individual hopes for the future so that we may try to heal the wounds inflicted by the horrors of armed conflict and terrorism of yesteryear and today.
“Peace can only be achieved by remembering, educating, and creating an understanding of the causes of war as well as peace, amongst all Canadians,” stated Lesko.
Reverend Miles Russell gave the prayer, benediction and blessings.
“On Remembrance Day we think of the many of thousands of young Canadians who did not return from war, and in our hearts we thank them,” said Russell. “Through the sacrifices of those remembered today, Canada has been given the gift of freedom, peace and prosperity. As we mark this Remembrance Day may we rededicate our lives to live in thanksgiving for the gifts of peace and freedom that have been given us at such a high cost,” concluded Russell.
The playing of God Save the Queen concluded the service.
Numerous wreaths sponsored by the community laid during the service were: Royal Canadian Legion, Preeceville and District Heritage Museum, and the Preeceville and District Lions Club wreaths were laid by Bill Lesko; Mayor Ralph Ager laid the Town of Preeceville wreaths; the Preeceville Personal Care Home wreath was laid by Britney Vewchar; Will Prestie laid the Clifford Crozier memorial wreath; Leah Crozier laid the Jack Crozier and Norman Wall memorial wreaths; Meaghan and Oliver Nelson laid the Preeceville Agencies wreath; Larry Larrivee laid the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary wreath and Pastor Hein Bertram laid the Lutheran Church wreath.
Troy Rogowski and Jeremy Mattison were responsible for recording the service and putting it on Facebook.
