Cochrane will remember the thousands of soldiers who have died in conflicts around the world this weekend as hundreds are expected to take part in the annual Remembrance Day ceremony hosted by the Legion each year.
Dave Usherwood, the Cochrane Legion’s 1st vice-president, said the ceremony is an important day for military personnel and veterans and their families.
Remembrance Day was enacted in 1919 to remember the toll of the First World War and the millions who died in service to their countries.
Saturday will mark a century since the end of the First World War, but Usherwood said reflecting on the sacrifices of that war are as important today as it was in 1919.
“It is hard for even myself to imagine the conditions of the First World War, that was 100 years ago,” he said, adding no one should forget “how thankful we should be for what we have. We forget our history, but we should be thankful for the sacrifices of the fallen.”
Despite the generations removed between both world wars, Usherwood says he is impressed and heartened by the fact so many young people still believe it is important to remember.
He cited the April trip to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge where tens of thousands of young cadets, including a contingent from the 2512 Cadet Corps of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment or, when he asked how many children at RancheView School had family who served and 70 per cent put up their hands.
A moving poem called Tears, written by Westbrook student Brenden Reeve, 9, which will be read during this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony, is another example of young people’s continued connection to those who made sacrifices for freedom, said Usherwood.
As in the past, Remembrance Day ceremonies will begin at Cochrane High School at 10 a.m. before the colour party and attendees march down the hill to the cenotaph.
This year’s ceremony will be under the gaze of the newly-installed bronze of a First World War soldier created by Studio West Bronze Foundry and Art Gallery.
The new bronze, part of a greater expansion to the cenotaph, was unveiled last week in advance of Remembrance Day.
Usherwood said they staggered the two events as to not detract from the Nov. 11 event but believes the statue will add something special to this year’s ceremony.
“It’s a wow factor, but I hope it doesn’t detract from the fact we’re remembering the fallen,” he said.
