More than 1,000 people gathered at Kal Tire Place in Vernon to honour veterans on Remembrance Day Saturday, Nov. 11, and to make a silent pledge that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Many decorated veterans sat in uniform on the arena floor as the solemn ceremony proceeded through a round of speeches, a rendition of The Last Post, readings of poems, a prayer, the Act of Remembrance, and a moment of silence on the 11th hour of the day.
“Remembrance Day is not a mere observance. It is a profound reflection on the immeasurable sacrifices made by our veterans. It is about acknowledging that offering today,” 2nd Lieutenant Trevor Rossner said to a respectful crowd.
“They gave their time, their comfort, and in some cases their very lives to ensure that we could live with the quality of life we currently enjoy.”
Ahead of the moment of silence, Rossner invited the crowd to use that moment to remember not only the fallen but also the living, the heroes who “carry the weight of their service in their hearts and minds.”
“Today, our duty extends beyond gratitude. It is a commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of our heroes are etched into the annals of the national memory. It is a pledge to recognize Remembrance Day is above all a day for them,” Rossner said.
“Our veterans embody the very essence of selflessness, resilience and unwavering dedication to a cause greater than themselves. It is our responsibility to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
The Vernon Community Band provided traditional Remembrance Day music for the ceremony, and Kayla Rossner read aloud the Act of Remembrance.
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