Hundreds of people were at the Estevan Comprehensive School on Saturday for the city’s annual Remembrance Day service, hosted by the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The main ceremony included the traditional tributes and observances. Two minutes of silence were observed for those who perished while serving their country. Troy LeBlanc, who chaired the Remembrance Day ceremony committee, read the roll of honour – the list of people from Estevan who perished during the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War and the Afghanistan War.
LeBlanc and legion branch president Lyle Dukart placed a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
A 15-minute slide show had the photos of local residents who served their country in both combat missions and in peace time.
Master of ceremonies Geoff Thiessen noted that this year marked the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele during the First World War, and the 75th anniversary of the Batlte of Dieppe during the Second World War.
LeBlanc believes those milestones contributed to such a large crowd showing up for this year’s service. Many people were standing at the back of the cafetorium during the service.
“It’s starting to ring in people’s memory what was actually done during those years,” said LeBlanc.
A service at the cenotaph followed in the school’s courtyard. Representatives from different military groups, levels of government, protective services agencies, non-profit organizations and youth organizations placed wreaths at the cenotaph.
This week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
