The March of Colours procession was led by World War II veterans and the McLennan RCMP. The Remembrance Day celebration was supported by over 200 people. The event was held on Nov. 11 in McLennan at the Elk’s Hall. The event featured celebrations to remember fallen and surviving soldiers from the past and current wars. Veteran Don Fish says he is very happy with the support the Legion received from surrounding communities in taking time to participate in Remembrance Day celebrations. Plans have been made to remember fallen soldiers with copper poppies that will be put on their final resting spot next year.

Over 200 people participated in the annual Remembrance Day celebration at the Elk’s Hall in McLennan on Nov. 11. The celebration highlighted the necessity to remember all our veterans and the important job they’ve done to ensure our freedom and to maintain peace. Veteran and Master of Ceremony Don Fish says he is impressed with the support given to the veterans on a yearly basis in our region. “It was a super turnout considering the weather,” says Fish. “I think more people have been coming out each year.” The celebration kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with the Lord’s Prayer and the Last Post played by Pam Heckbert. Following was two minutes of silence to reflect on everything former and current soldiers have done for Canada. “What’s happening is children are becoming more aware at school of the importance of Remembrance Day,” explains Fish. “There is more exposure through the school system, the media and the legion.” Fish says it is increasingly important to remember soldiers, with our current army losing 97 soldiers in Afghanistan so far. Included in the ceremony were four veterans from World War II and Fish, who is a veteran of UN duties. The local Legion introduced a new plan to put copper poppies on headstones of fallen soldiers as a permanent reminder of our appreciation for their sacrifice. Fish explains this plan will be put into action early in 2009. Northern Lights Encore Choir provided music throughout the ceremony. Soloist John O’Mahony sang excerpts from wartime songs, including those compiled by former McLennan resident and bride of a veteran, Mariette Limoges. Fish says the Legion is constantly looking for new members to help carry on the tradition of Remembrance Day. “You don’t have to be an ex-military person to be part of the Legion,” he says. “Any common person from the M.D. over the age of 18 is welcome to join the Legion.” The Smoky River Army Cadets gave close to $1,000 to the Legion at the celebration. The money will be put into the Poppy account, which Fish explains is used in community situations where there’s a requirement for funding. Bursaries were presented to deserving local students who exhibited outstanding performance in the community or in their schooling. The event finished with a march to the Legion where a social event was held to remember sacrifices of our military personnel.