Legion first vice-president Dan Markey placed a wreath.
The memory of those who fought for our freedoms was honoured Friday at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall.
Master of ceremonies Tony Miller reminded people it was the veterans who sacrificed for the many freedoms Canadians enjoy.
Those freedoms, Miller said, include such topics as religion, the press, speech, assembly, the right to a fair trial, and the privilege to vote in elections.
“It is the veteran who salutes the flag,” Miller said. “Who serves under the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag.”
More than 300 people attended the Remembrance Day ceremony organized by the Fort Macleod branch of the Legion.
Canadians gather every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — the anniversary of the First World War armistice — to pay tribute to veterans.
“Together we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of many who have fallen in the service of their country and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve,” Miller said.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choir led the singing of O Canada, which was followed by the prayer of invocation by Rev. MiYeon Kim of Trinity United Church.
That was followed by the playing of The Last Post, during which sergeant at arms Basil Wade lowered the Canadian flag.
The audience observed two minutes of silence, which was followed by the Lament played by a piper from the Bridge City Highlanders Pipes and Drums.
As Reveille played, Wade raised the Canadian flag.
Dan Markey, first vice-president of the Legion, said the act of remembrance which was followed by the response, “We will remember them.”
The choir led the audience in singing of the hymn Faith of Our Fathers, which was followed by a scripture reading by Rev. Kim.
Fort Macleod Mayor Brent Feyter delivered his address.
“We remember the men and women who surrendered their lives to fight in wars against the forces of darkness,” Feyter said.
Feyter cited conflicts such as the First and Second world wars, the Korean War and the war in Afghanistan and peacekeeping missions around the world as examples.
“Wars have taken their tolls on the lives of millions,” Feyter said. “We cannot begin to imagine the hurt, the pain, the loss and the gruesome reality of war.”
Feyter also reflected on the sacrifices of loved ones and friends of those who served, as well as the people who supported the troops.
“Remembering is an amazing way, and an amazing opportunity, to reflect, to consider and to pay respect to those who have gone before us,” Feyter said.
Feyter urged people to use the remembrance of war and sacrifice to guide their lives in a positive way to improve today’s society.
“Together, all of us can learn from history and do our best to fight for what’s right, for what brings hope, and what brings light,” Feyter said.
WA. Day school student Nevayah Fox read the poem In Flanders Fields.
The choir, with young members Claire Shaw and Adalyn Nelson leading, sang Let There Be Peace on Earth.
F.P. Walshe school students Ilias Bergen, Nate Poytress and Adeline Van Herk then recited the poem I Am the Cenotaph.
Community members and guests then placed close to 40 wreaths at the cenotaph on behalf of veterans of various wars, local, provincial and federal governments and the king.
Wreaths were also placed on behalf of Canadian war brides, bereaved mothers, the people of occupied Holland, prisoners of war, and local schools and organizations.
Rev. Kim offered a prayer and benediction, followed by Tony Miller giving the commitment to remember and the audience singing God Save the King.
