Medicine Hat police chief Mike Worden places a wreath on behalf of the service during the Remembrance Day ceremony at Riverside Veterans Memorial Park on Thursday.--News Photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Held by a warm sun, Hatters observed Remembrance Day together in a large gathering for the first time in two years on Thursday.
Troops and veterans paraded along First Street to the Cenotaph in downtown Medicine Hat ahead of the 11 o’clock hour. They were joined by close to 1,000 Hatters for the laying of wreaths to remember Canada’s war dead and honour veterans.
“A beautiful day,” said Sheila Donner, president of the No. 17 Robertson Memorial Legion. She emceed the ceremony with pastor Ron MacDonald.
Readings, poems and songs held the tone of embracing life to honour the dead.
Temperatures that dipped as low as -10C overnight warmed to above freezing points by noon. The sun shone under a blue sky without wind – a notable and welcome difference from some previous years, said Donner.
“It was absolutely wonderful to see the crowd, but I’m not surprised. Medicine Hat is so supportive with our Poppy Campaign, and they’re just outstanding. Many have veterans in their family, and those who don’t, come out.”
In 2020, health restrictions limited the service to about 100 invited guests, said Donner.
A still-limited number of official participants took part Thursday, but close to 1,000 members of the public stood behind ropes during the official ceremony. They then came forward to place their own tributes, wreaths and poppies at the foot of the Cenotaph at the service’s conclusion.
It was broadcast on the internet by a partnership of several local media companies.
The Legion welcomed its members and dignitaries afterwards in a reception.
Taking part was 101-year-old Second World War veteran Roy Gale.
“Today I remember all those I served with and those who died,” he said. “I often do.”
Once again, pandemic health restrictions led to the cancellation of an initial service at the Esplanade Theatre ahead of the procession to the Cenotaph in Riverside Veteran’s Memorial Park.
This year, full contingents of veterans, Canadian and British military units at Suffield, the Defence Research, cadets, the South Alberta Light Horse reserve unit and members of the Medicine Hat police and fire services were led by bag-pipers an a colour-guard from the Esplanade lawns.
Donner said the event honours the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, but also heartens all those who served in uniform.
“Sometimes I think we forget and take things for granted,” she said. “I just know how much it is appreciated.”
