Those who fought for Canada both past and present were honoured during the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at Light of Christ Catholic School in Lac La Biche, which took place Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Students and staff at Light of Christ, along with other school across the region paid their respects days before the official November 11 date that falls on a weekend this year.
The Light of Christ began at 10:45 a.m., with 250 students, along with teachers and support staff – all of whom were wearing poppies - filing into the gymnasium while Amy Janzen, a teacher at Light of Christ, played the bagpipes. The ceremony, which lasted roughly 30 minutes, started with the singing of the national anthem. Local musician Brian Deheer performed ‘Oh Canada’, with all those who had gathered singing along in both official languages.
A handful of dignitaries, including Danny Stevens, president of the McGrane Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and those representing the Canadian Forces, local RCMP, community peace officers, Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue, and Alberta Fish and Wildlife were also in attendance.
The ceremony featured speeches and various presentations by students, including the reciting of ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Sheldon Bryant. There was also a quiet observance with a moment of silence along with the playing of ‘the last post.’ Later in the event, students walked up to the front of the gymnasium and placed poppies on a board. The ceremony closed out with the singing of ‘Light a Candle for Peace.’
November 11 - Lac La Biche
The Lac La Biche Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting Lac La Biche Remembrance Day ceremonies outside at the Legion cenotaph on Saturday, November 11 starting at 10:45.
Community members are encouraged to attend the ceremony that will include local cadets, service clubs, RCMP, protective service officers, provincial officers and members from CFB Cold Lake.