Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
On November 11, hundreds gathered from the Fort St. James community.
They came together to remember the sacrifice and courage of those who served in the military and paused for those who died and made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
A parade of community members made their way to Spirit Square including: members of the Royal Canadian Legion, the RCMP, the Fort St. James Fire Department, Mayor Rob MacDougall and members of the Girl Guides of Canada.
People young and old gathered together in remembrance. Bruce MacDonald, master of ceremonies, introduced Father Frank Salmon who opened in prayer.
“Creator of all, we praise and we thank you for our country, Canada. We thank you for the peace and the joy that we have enjoyed and we thank you for those who have preserved it by fighting in lands far away. We offer prayers almighty God, for those who died in defence of this country in freedom. Grant them eternal rest and peace,” Salmon said.
Poems were read by the Brownies and Girl Guides including John McCrae’s iconic, “In Flanders Fields”, a poem that continues to echo throughout the country and touch every Canadian on this day.
Those who are currently serving including four soldiers from Fort St. James, were also remembered and honoured.
Wreaths were laid by various community members as the song “Highway of Heroes” by the Trews played in the background on a crisp and windy but sunny Wednesday morning.
Marylou Fonda, president of the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort St. James was thrilled with the ceremony and with all of the community support received in preparation and on the day.
“I’m just overwhelmed with the amount of community support. From all who helped and to the schools who provided beautiful artwork, I’m so grateful, Fonda said. “The weather was right. I couldn’t be happier with the way things went.”
City Councillor, Dave Birdi, couldn’t agree more. “Regardless of the weather, the community always comes together. Everyone always comes out.”