Remembrance Day in Pictures: Revelstoke honours its war dead
The Rocky Mountain Rangers Cadet Corps performed admirably at this year's Remembrance Day ceremony. David F. Rooney photo
By David F. Rooney
Hundreds of Revelstokians gathered on a damp and chilly Wednesday morning to honour their war dead with wreaths, prayers and, here and there, a tear.
After every conflict… we hope to say, ‘Never again, never again,'”said Sue Driediger, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 46, as she addressed the crowd of about 1,000 people. “These are difficult words to say.”
But regardless of the fact that war and terror seem to be a constant part of the human condition she said “there is a tremendous power in memory” as it helps correct mistakes and remember the sacrifices of those who have fought to preserve our freedom and destroy evil in the world.
Despite problems with the PA system Mayor David Raven said Revelstoke, “like every other community in Canada honours those who have fallen in the defence of freedom” and Legion Chaplain Marlene MacQuarrie asked God to protect our community’s young people from “the war, violence, terror and confusion” that sometimes seems to fill the world.
But as people prayed and bowed their heads in a silence broken only by the sounding of a CPR train whistle in its own tribute to the fallen, they did so knowing that hope, love, faith and beauty remain in the world, thanks to the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers, sailors and air crews in the two World Wars, the Korean War, the Afghan War and UN peacekeeping missions around the world.
Here are some images from the day’s ceremony:
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion stand easy as they wait for the Remembrance Day ceremony to begin. David F. Rooney photoJohn Opra (left) clears the podium as Mayor David Raven, Legion Chaplain Marlene MacQuarrie and Legion Branch 46 President Sue Driediger wait for the start of the official ceremony. David F. Rooney photo,Members of the RCMP detachment present a bold splash of scarlet in their dress uniforms. David F. Rooney photoThe Revelstoke Highlanders Pipe Band were an especially stirring component of Remembrance Day. David F. Rooney photoSharon Shook sings O Canada at the start of the official ceremony. David F. Rooney photoRocky Mountain Ranger Gregory O'Hagan plays the Last Post to mark the two minutes of silence as the huge crowd honoured Revelstoke's — and Canada's — war dead. David F. Rooney photoBranch 46 President Sue Driediger addresses the crowd. David F. Rooney photoMayor David Raven stands in silence before the Cenotaph after laying a wreath on behalf of the City of Revelstoke. David F. Rooney photoElsie Fuoco lays a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of all the mothers of Revelstoke. David F. Rooney photoBranch 46 President Sue Driediger honours the dead after laying a wreath on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion at the Cenotaph. David F. Rooney photoArrow Heights Elementary students Jacqueline Cottingham and Josianne Langlois approach the Cenotaph to lay a wreath on behalf of their school. David F. Rooney photoStudents from Columpia Park Elementary approach the Cenotaph to lay their school's wreath. David F. Rooney photoTwo Revelstoke Secondary School students look for a spot to lay their wreath. David F. Rooney photoA long line of citizens await their turn to approach the Cenotaph and lay their own wreaths. David F. Rooney photoAnother view of Revelstokians approaching the Cenotaph. The people of this community truly do take Remembrance Day to heart. David F. Rooney photoMembers of the Rocky Mountain Rangers Cadet Corps stand guard as people lay wreaths behind them. David F. Rooney photoGirl Guides and other children watch the ceremony. David F. Rooney photoThe Legion was a crowded place after the ceremony as Revelstokians gathered to socialize over a coffee or a beer. David F. Rooney photo
