The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 58 in Elkhorn held their Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Legion Hall on Sunday, Nov. 11. Readings and worship were lead by Cheryl Sisson with Garth Mitchell, President of the Elkhorn Branch, reading the Honour Roll. Last Post and Reveille were played by Kent McConnell of Brandon.
The guest speaker was Sandy Heaman, former RM councillor. Heaman opened with a factual presentation, stating the number of Canadians who have served our country and how many made the ultimate sacrifice. Her remarks took on a personal note as she shared with the audience stories of two uncles who served in World War II and Korea.
Her Uncle Cliff had served in WWII, storming Juno beach. He was injured and transferred to London to recover and later returned to serve in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. She remarked that although many years passed, wartime memories remained very vivid for her uncle.
Another uncle served in Korea during the conflict of 1950-1953. Many years later he was invited back by the South Korean government to visit. While there, he laid a wreath on the grave of a comrade and was awarded the Korean Medal of Freedom. While touring the country, he was well treated and shown great respect by the Korean people.
Heaman concluded her address by reminding all to remember and thank our veterans, not just on November 11th, but everyday. We all benefit from those who served and we should never forget their sacrifices. "Freedom is a result of the sacrifice of those who served and we should strive not to repeat the past."
The program concluded with the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph.
Following the program, lunch was served by Branch members and long term service pins were awarded.
BELLS
Nov. 11, 2018 marked 100 years since the end of World War I. To mark the anniversary, at the setting of the sun, a special ceremony was held at the Elkhorn Cenotaph. A bell was rung 100 times - one ring for each year since the end of WW I. The bell used once hung in Elkhorn's first school from 1882 - 1926. The special ceremony finished with the playing of Amazing Grace.
