For the second year in a row, Thompson's Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11 was a no spectators event as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, though the R.D. Parker Collegiate senior band and Thompson Community Band were able to perform music in person, providing they were fully vaccinated.
The ceremony, held at the Royal Canadian Legion, was one of many across the country to honour the sacrifices of Canadian veterans, particularly those who were killed while fighting wars.
“Today, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we take pause to remember,” said Raylene Jonasson of the Legion, who emceed the ceremony. “As a profound and serene quiet falls over our communities for two minutes, let us never forget the sacrifices of our ancestors and veterans.”
Jonasson and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee highlighted the contributions of Indigenous people to Canada’s military and war efforts.
In some First Nations, Jonasson said, as many as one in three able-bodied men enlisted in the First World War and in some communities every man aged 20 to 35 signed up. More than 3,000 First Nations people as well as an unknown number of Inuit and Métis people fought in the Second World War, with at least 50 being decorated for outstanding bravery.
These achievements are all the more remarkable when you consider that the Indian Act exempted First Nations members from military service, Settee said.
“Thousands upon thousands of our people went to enlist in these wars when they didn’t have to,” he said. “They did so in order to defend and be part of the defence of our country so that we could continue to have freedom.”
Thompson MLA Danielle Adams and Mayor Colleen Smook said they looked forward to the return of in-person Remembrance Day ceremonies in the future and stressed the importance of remembering the country’s soldiers.
“This has been a difficult year for the veterans and their families,” said Adams. “Without public ceremonies, it’s more important than ever to recommit ourselves to passing on the stories of their courage and sacrifice to younger generations and continuing the fight for better care for our veterans.”
The ceremonies are particularly important to those too young to remember or have learned much about the major wars of the 20th century, said Smook, who had uncles on both sides of her family die serving during the Second World War.
‘[People] really feel their children need to come and be part of the whole ceremony in person,” she said.
Emphasis was also placed on the importance of using past wars as motivation for future peace and on the other valuable functions the military can serve.
“As the partner of a veteran who fought in Afghanistan who’s here with us today, it is clear that we must continue to remember all veterans and this generation of veterans who represented and fought for us,” said Churchill-Keewtinook Aski MP Niki Ashton. “We must also remember and support the Afghan people, many of whom need help at this time. I also want to acknowledge the incredible sacrifice and commitment of the members of the Canadian Forces in saving lives here in our own region during the COVID-19 pandemic."
“We also pray for healing and peace, that one day all people will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family,” said Father Guna Sekhar during his prayer and benediction.
