WESTLOCK —The Town of Westlock and communities across the region will join millions across the country on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans past and present.
The Westlock Legion Branch 97 will hold their Remembrance Day service, as they have for 84 years, since 1940, at the Westlock and District Community Hall. Doors open at 10 a.m. and the service begins at 10:45 a.m.
“There will be people who’ll go lay wreaths after at the cenotaph as well, but the main service will be indoors at the community hall,” said Westlock Legion president, Dave Hall, who himself served with the Rocky Mountain Rangers and is a former RCMP officer as well.
A lunch and refreshments will be served and residents are welcome to meet at the Legion lounge afterwards to visit with veterans, family and friends.
“The Legion is open if anyone wants to come down,” said Hall. “A veteran is anybody who’s served in the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP or any allied force, such as the United States Army, Marines, the British Army.”
Later that evening, the Westlock Legion will also host its annual Remembrance Day banquet. Cocktails are at 5 p.m. and the banquet starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 but are free for veterans and are available at the Legion office or by calling (780)349-4046.
Hall pointed out the importance of sharing the significance of November 11 with all generations, present and future.
“It’s not just another holiday. It’s a reason to reflect on the sacrifices that our veterans have made,” said Hall.
The Village of Clyde will hold a short outdoor Remembrance Day service at the village Cenotaph on main street starting at 10:45 a.m. The ceremony will include two minutes of silence, followed by a potluck lunch at the Clyde and District Complex, hosted by the Clyde and District Agricultural Society. Anyone wishing to lay a wreath can contact Jim Rau at (780) 348-5774.
Residents in the hamlet of Jarvie are invited to come out to a Remembrance Day service at the Jarvie Cenotaph, located on main street starting at 10:45 a.m. Organizers are reminding people to dress warmly for the outdoor service. There will be refreshments and coffee served at the Jarvie Community Centre following the outdoor service.
