An honour guard of four surrounded the Cenotaph at Medicine Hat’s Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park on Monday. Eli J. Ridder

By Olivia Thorington

IN THE COMMUNITY

As Medicine Hat marks Remembrance Day, captain prays for ‘torch of justice and freedom’

Nov 11, 2024 | 1:00 PM

A hush fell across a downtown park in Medicine Hat at 11 a.m. on Monday morning as hundreds of people reflected on those who fought for and now defend Canadian freedom.

Moments later, Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park was filled with the voices of those gathered for a Remembrance Day ceremony as they sang the national anthem.

Earlier, a service was held in the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre nearby.

Padre Capt. Ron MacDonald, in a message during the service, emphasized to the hundreds seated in the Esplanade’s main theatre that what veterans fought for must be cherished.

“We must carefully give thought to things we once took for granted,” MacDonald said.

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“The fact that we are free in this way today, to give tribute to those that gave so much.”

He gave a Christian message emphasizing the importance of one’s personal relationship with God.

“The Lord is available to all who will call on His name. It does not matter where we come from, what colour we are, what creed we are,” MacDonald said.

The chaplain also reflected on the state of the world.

“We’re on pretty thin ice, as far as the world is concerned. The Middle East, Europe; all these conflicts,” MacDonald said.

“I just pray that God would intercede with the torch of justice and freedom we once carried, and that those before us carried. We must now pass it on to those boys and ladies overseas, in uniform, that are serving our country,” he added.

“And I pray that our country will realize the dedication these young people are bringing. I hope they will treat them with total respect and look after them when they come home.”

Sheila Donner, president of Medicine Hat Legion No. 17, started off the service at the Esplanade by giving a warning.

“We must never take this freedom, one for us by so many with their blood, sweat and tears for granted,” Donner said.

“Imagine what life would be like if we feared persecution because of the work we do, the place we live, or because of our beliefs.”

That was followed by a solemn prayer and hymn, before Sgt. Dasia Sinclair recited Honouring the Fallen, a poem by MC Grace Castillo.

“We remember the fallen, their hearts so pure, their names as strong monuments” read Sinclair, in part.

“Stories unfold in the hearts of a nation, their legends are told with gratitude.”

There was no shortage of musical prowess at the Esplanade’s ceremony.

The Medicine Hat College Girls Choir performed Inscription of Hope, Ave Maria and assisted with the hymns.

The South Alberta Pipe and Drums, accompanied by the Medicine Hat Concert Band, gave an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace as red petals floated down onto the audience from the theatre rafters.

After closing music and a recession of the flags, the theatre emptied for the march to the Cenotaph for the 11th-hour ceremony.

There, an honour guard of four stood watch at the Cenotaph.

Dignitaries — Mayor Linnsie Clark, MLA Justin Wright, MP Glen Motz and Premier Danielle Smith, among others — laid wreathes in honour of those who served in Canada’s many wars, including the First and Second World Wars.

After all the wreaths were laid and a benediction given, the soldiers and cadets marched out of the park to bring Remembrance Day to an end.

Lest we forget.

Photos