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Remembrance Day celebration held in McLennan
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
Nearly 300 people gathered in McLennan last Wednesday to remember our fallen soldiers, and to salute current soldiers fighting for our freedom.
The reality of war has set in for residents of the Smoky River Region with three local boys heading off for Afghanistan next year.
A special tribute was paid to Brian Whelan, Jeremy McNeil and Daniel Payou, who received the military’s permission to attend the Remembrance Day celebration.
Whelan, McNeil, and Payou are all privates and are currently posted at CFB Edmonton.
McNeil gave a heartwarming speech pertaining to veterans, war and the modern day soldiers fighting on our behalf.
McLennan legion secretary treasurer and veteran Don Fish explains the celebration was very successful.
“This was definitely one of the best turnouts we’ve seen in terms of attendance,” says Fish. “We’ve always had great support from those in the Smoky River Region, and were very happy to see about 300 people attend.”
The ceremony began at just before 11 a.m., with a special performance by the Northern Lights Encore Choir. The Lord’s Prayer was then recited.
Pam Heckbert played the last post in honour of our fallen soldiers.
Dunvegan-Central Peace MLA Hector Goudreau was a guest speaker, thanking the soldiers for their service on behalf of the federal and provincial government.
Veteran Paul-Emile Maisonneuve was on hand to explain what it was like to be on the battle field and to be faced with making quick decisions in the face of major conflict.
“I think it’s just wonderful to have people right from our area [at the ceremony], who want to stand up for the country and stand up for peace,” said Brian Whelan’s mother Colette Whelan in an interview with the Express earlier this month.
Wreaths were presented by political and community members from the region during the ceremony.
The ceremony was followed by a parade to the Legion to present the final wreath.
During the service, the Legion presented children from local schools with bursaries for poems or posters completed with the theme of Remembrance Day.
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