BY DUCK PATERSON
This coming Remembrance Day on Saturday, Nov. 11, will mark the 105th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Nov. 11, 1918, also known as Armistice Day, was the day that Germany signed the peace agreement that brought the war to an end.
Darlene Paulson, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, said all residents of the area are invited to be part of the Remembrance Day service this coming weekend.
“The service is an opportunity for of all us to say thank you to those who sacrificed so much so we could be where we are today and have such freedoms,” she said.
Ahead of the ceremony, members of the Legion colour party, veterans from various services as well as members of the RCMP, Ladysmith Fire Rescue and the local Air Cadets squadron will form up in front of the Legion on First Avenue and march to the cenotaph.
“Members of the public who wish to fall in behind the other participants are welcome to do so,” said Paulson.
Legion member Don Smith will open the service at 10:55 a.m., and bugler Robert Roberts will play the Last Post just before the traditional moments of silence at 11 a.m. Close to that time, there will be a fly past of vintage planes.
Legion sergeant-at-arms, Greg Paulson, will read the names from the cenotaph of those who died serving their country. Bagpiper Christopher McBride will be on hand to play and Venessa Izon will sing Amazing Grace. Darlene Paulson and Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone will also make remarks, and Stz’uminus Elder Buffi David will say a traditional prayer.
When the ceremony is over the colour party and services groups will parade back to the Legion where there will be refreshments.