Remembrance Day ceremonies well attended

Ken Johnston
Editor

About 150 people gathered at the Rainy River Legion to remember on Saturday.
The annual Remembrance Day ceremonies were well attended despite the fact that there was no school in session. Usually the high school sends its students over for the outdoor portion of the service.
Pastor Gord Armstrong started things off with the invocation noting that the mind is an incredible part of the body. “It allows us to remember the horrors of war and the joys of peace.” He also urged people to seek refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ as he is a “Fortress.”
Legion President Gerry Marchuk recognized the veterans that were in attendance and made note of a special guest from the US. American Legion District Commander John Bey was in attendance.
Mayor Glen Armstrong read the honour roll of those who died in WWI, WWII and the Korean War that were from Rainy River. Two minutes of silence was then observed in their honour.
Gill Stamler then read In Flanders Fields by John McCrae.
Dawn Jarvis then read from the scriptures before the crowd sang Onward Christian Soldiers and then Ron Grout gave the meditation.
Grout started off by thanking all who served in the military, their families, those who were wounded and especially to those who paid the ultimate price with their lives. “We salute you,” said Grout.
Grout raised the question, “Does God get involved in war?” Grout believes, “He certainly does. There are many examples in the bible where God delivered his people from evil and also punished them.”
Grout said 9-11 was likely God rolling back some of his protection over North America. He also pointed out that the bible speaks of war in heaven between good and evil. “Fortunately Satan was thrown out of heaven, the bad news is he was thrown down here.”
Grout said Satan works hard to instill evil throughout the world and that wars generally are a result of evil. “Was WW II a just war? I believe it was. Canada was not perfect then or now, but it was very different than Hitler who killed 6 million Jews.”
Grout said the world is on a collision course right now in which, “We are heading into a clash of civilizations.” He pointed to Iran building a nuclear bomb to drop on Jews in Israel. He also called radical muslims, “the face of evil” comparable to Hitler. “They believe that non-muslims must either convert and follow Mohammed or die.” He said this is only one sect of that faith and that all muslims are not evil.
“We must confront evil. Is God with us in this fight? I am concerned that a segment of society is attempting to eliminate God from as much of our lives as possible. When evil has taken control of people, like the radical muslims, it is a powerful enemy. I would rather have God on my side,” said Grout.
Grout encouraged people to embrace God and he will help deliver us from evil.
Pat Giles then lead everyone in a prayer for peace. Another hymn, O Valiant Hearts, followed.
A benediction was given by Gord Armstrong before a parade to the Cenotaph was held. At the cenotaph 66 wreaths were laid by families, businesses, organizations and politicians. Dr. Dave Singleton then played the last post while a member of the Sea Cadets lowered the flag at the cenotaph to half-mast.
On Friday the entire student body participated in a service at Riverview School and McCrosson-Tovell School.
Veterans Terry Cooper, Harry Arnould and Herb Nelson attended the schools and students read poems and sang songs about remembrance.