Remembrance Day services set for Monday

Ken Johnston
Editor

November 11, 1918 was Armistice Day. It was the day that World War I ended; a war that saw 66,573 Canadians give the supreme sacrifice; their lives.
Again from 1939-45 Canadians answered the call to defend freedom in World War II. 44,927 lost their lives in the battle to stop Hitler’s oppression of Europe. In addition to those lost there were 138,166 wounded in WW I and 53,145 in WW II.
From 1950-53 516 Canadians were lost defending freedom in the Korean War. Another 1,558 were wounded.
Many local men fought in these horrific conflicts, believing it was their duty to defend freedom. Some never came home, many did. Next Monday, November 11, 2002, Legion’s across the country will host Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour those who gave all and those who returned, so that people can live freely today.
In Rainy River that service will be held at 10:45 a.m. in the Legion Hall. After the singing of O Canada, invocation and reading of the honour roll, and several readings, the public as well as many veterans will proceed outside to the cenotaph to remember the price paid for our freedom. All are welcome to attend.
Wreaths will be laid around the cenotaph by local businesses, families, and organizations. The last post will be played and following this annual remembrance, a lunch will be served in the Legion.
Other services will be held across the district in Stratton, Barwick, Emo and Fort Frances.