Large crowd gathered to "Remember them"

By Ken Johnston
Editor

With a new president, the Legion’s annual Remembrance Day services also had some new additions.
Beginning at 10:45 a.m., the colours were marched in, O Canada was sung and welcoming remarks were delivered by RR Legion President Walter Wagner.
Wagner noted the significance of the date, 11/11/11, marking the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. He noted that with the 100th anniversary fast approaching, the legion will work hard to ensure that today’s youth will remember the sacrifices of those who fought and died in WWI, WWII, Korea and subsequent wars since.
The first new addition to this year’s program was the reading of In Flanders Fields by two Riverview Elementary School Students, Kira Olson and Victoria Lindal.
That was followed by two minutes of silence, remembering all who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Mayor Deb Ewald then read the honour roll; the names of all who are on the local cenotaph and gave their lives in WWI, WW II and Korea.
Legion Sgt. at Arms, Terry Cooper, then gave a presentation on the meaning of the Canadian Flag.
That was followed by a review of the Legion mandate by President Wagner, a prayer for peace by Legion Chaplain Gord Armstrong, the hymn O Valiant Hearts and the Benediction by Gill Stamler.
The service then moved outdoors for the laying of over 60 wreathes. New this year, President Wagner asked presenters to name someone they were laying the wreath in honour of. However, due to problems with the sound system, very few people could hear President Wagner.