It was a cool, rainy morning in Barriere as many gathered to pay their respects in honour of Remembrance Day at the Royal Canadian Legion branch #242. This year the ceremony was held inside and opened with a prayer by local Reverend Todd English.
Following the singing of O Canada and the playing of the Last Post there was two minutes of silence and reading of the Act of Remembrance.
The Act of Remembrance was read
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
With the spoken response from those in attendance: "We will remember them.."
Followed by reveille, the deposit of the colours and prayer by Reverend English, those gathered sang Amazing Grace together. The song by Canadian singer-songwriter, Julian Austin, "Still Over There," was played in memory of a friend who served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Austin's website stated "This song is in honour of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice and never came back home to their loved ones. And for those that did come back home to their loved ones but are still over there mentally wounded and scarred still fighting their personal war after surviving war."
Thompson Nicola Regional Director (TNRD) for Area "O," Jill Hayward, said, "I have been attending Remembrance Day ceremonies since I was able to walk. My grandfather fought in the trenches during World War One, my mom was in the British ATS and served as a gunner on the White Cliffs Of Dover during World War Two, while my Dad transported the British Armed Forces whenever, and wherever they needed to be. After we immigrated to Canada in 1957, both my parents became Canadian Legion members, and both served throughout their lives in many positions supporting this important organization. We must remember all those who gave of themselves so we can remain free and be able to raise our families in a safe and prosperous country. We cannot forget, we will not forget, and every day we should say 'thank you' for the incredible freedoms we have in Canada."
Many long-time community residents, families, organizations and groups also placed wreaths upon the stage with a large wooden white cross that reads "Lest we forget" as a backdrop. The wreaths were brought one by one by scouts and guides, family members, community leaders and individuals and soon the stage was adorned with green and red from the poppies.
A light lunch followed, hosted by the legion where memories and stories could be heard throughout the hall as families, neighbours and comrades mingled during this day of remembrance.
