Remembrance Day marks the formal end of World War I, at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. Ceremonies and services were held across the Pembina Valley on Sunday.
This year marks 100 years of remembering the many who lost their lives, and the men and women who continue to serve and protect the freedom of their fellow Canadians.
Carm Colvin of Carman is a veteran of World War II, and served in Europe with the Signal Corps for roughly three years. He says one thing many people might not know, is the German civilians didn't want the war any more than anyone else. "They weren't all against us."
Colvin says, "I think people should keep it in mind just what it [war] is so it doesn't happen again. Nobody wants it. If they're ever in it they would realize."
Mark Wilson of Winkler is a veteran and history teacher, and says Remembrance Day is extremely important. "World War I is no longer in living memory. There's no vets alive in Canada today that served in World War I, [and] World War II is unfortunately rapidly slipping too."
Wilson is helping plan a trip that will take Winkler students to places like Vimy Ridge, Ypres, and Juno Beach, which is a unique way to learn about the history of war.
In Winkler, a service was held at the P. W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall where Phillip Vallelly was the guest speaker.
"What we do here today is we remember those people, those veterans, those who have fallen, those who are still very much alive and continue to serve their country, serve their Kings, serve their Queens," says Vallelly.
This year also marked the passing away of Harvey P. Friesen on October 20, at the age of 92. Friesen was the last WWII veteran in Winkler and was also heavily involved in the local Legion for over 50 years. He received the Minister Of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his advocacy for veterans. In 1994, he was also Citizen of the Year, which at that time was awarded by the Kinsmen Club of Winkler.
Tue, Apr 16, 1:23 PM
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