Hundreds gather to 'remember' them

By Ken Johnston
Editor

“We have gathered here today to honour those that served so that we can live in peace and freedom... just as Jesus did for all human kind, sacrificed so that we can have peace and freedoms,” said Father Al Albao when delivering the Invocation at the Remembrance Day Services in Rainy River last Thursday.
About 150 people gathered for the indoor service before being joined by another 200 students from both schools at the outdoor Cenotaph Service later.
After Mayor Debbie Ewald read the Honour Roll of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, two minutes of silence were observed.
Both Pastors Pat Giles and Kors Pater read the same scripture readings. However, Pater was charged with delivering the Meditation for the services. Pater spoke about how his generation has trouble remembering. He noted that as a community, “We gather to remember and will not forget. But so many of us find it easy to say ‘I forgot!’”
Pater said in the Old Testament of the Bible, the Israelites asked God not to forget them. He emphasized that like the Israelites the people of today must not forget those who went before us and gave their lives and also those who continue to serve today in the name of peace and freedom.
He read a poem that he said applies to today’s generation. The first line was, “I do not know your name, but I know you died.”
Pater said this message begs the question of “Why would anyone sacrifice themselves and do what they did?”
His answer is that he believes there is something that drives us to do the things for which we believe. “Our beliefs shape our values and our values shape how we act.”
Legion Chaplain Gord Armstrong added to the message of the day with the Prayer for Peace. “Help us to find solutions that do not require war as we pray for our troops. Protect them and keep them in our hearts. Let us remember the Legion motto, ‘Lest we forget!’”
While it was the first chilly day of the fall in some time, about 350 people gathered at the cenotaph after the indoor service. 65 wreathes were laid by families, organizations, businesses and politicians.
That was followed by the last post and the flag being lowered and raised.
Please turn to page nine for more photos from Remembrance Day in Rainy River.