An elderly lady sits down beside her friend at the Niverville Credit Union Manor. Her friend asks, “Where were you this morning?” The elderly lady replies, “At the Remembrance Day ceremony here in town. Why didn’t you go?” Her friend says bluntly, “I don’t believe in war.” The elderly lady responds thoughtfully, “Neither do I.”
According to Elaine Krahn, this was a conversation her mother, Margaret Stott, had with a friend just a few years ago. Krahn’s father, Jack Stott, had served in World War II and it wasn’t something their family would ever brush under the rug, let alone forget. In fact, like many members of the community whose family members made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for peace, they wanted to continue to share these stories. It continues to be important to them.
Prior to 1997, if citizens of Niverville wanted to participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies, they visited other communities, like Ste. Agathe or St-Pierre-Jolys, because there wasn’t a ceremony in town.
For some community members, the lack of local recognition was disappointing. Many of their parents, grandparents, children, aunts, and uncles had either served during wars or were currently serving our country. They knew they had to commemorate these people closer to home.
For nearly 20 years now, private citizens have come together to commemorate Remembrance Day in Niverville. The services aren’t organized by the town itself but rather by families who want to honour their loved ones in the community they live in.
The first few ceremonies took place at the Niverville Elementary School and the Niverville United Church. When the Heritage Centre opened, the ceremonies were moved there to make room for more people. Last year’s service had over 800 people in attendance, making it the second largest service in the province, according to the committee.
Lora Wachtendorf has been on the Remembrance Day committee for a number of years. Her father served in World War II and was a prisoner of war for four years. She explains why this day means so much to her.
“I think Remembrance Day is important, not just to my family because my father served in the war, but it is important to Canada,” Wachtendorf says. “Had it not been for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to fight for peace, we, as Canadians, could be living very different lives. We are free to vote, free to be educated, free to have careers, free to have families and free to pursue the lives we want. We can never forget that.
“I’ve been to ceremonies all over Canada, including Ottawa, and, in my opinion, Niverville’s Remembrance Day ceremonies are the best I’ve had the privilege to attend,” Wachtendorf adds. “It’s an honour to help bring this event to our community each year.”
This year’s service will begin at 10:00 a.m. sharp at the Heritage Centre. With attendance increasing each year, the committee suggests that you come early if you would like a good seat. There will be seating available in the ballroom as well as in the atrium. The ceremony is usually one hour long and is followed by a light lunch which is open to all who attend.
Lorraine Kehler, former principal of Niverville Elementary School, will be welcoming guests. Kehler’s son, Samuel Kehler, currently serves as an officer in the Navy. The Master of Ceremonies will be Ian Wallace, whose father John Wallace served in World War II. Ian’s mother, Cicely Wallace, was a war bride.
The guest speaker will be World War II veteran George Peterson, who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong. 1,975 soldiers were sent to Hong Kong in November 1941 and nearly 550 were killed before Emperor Hirohito accepted the unconditional surrender of his forces on August 15, 1945. Prior to that, Peterson, now 95, had been taken as a prisoner of war. Prisoners in the camps were treated as slaves and tortured and malnourished for years.
Peterson has received many honours for serving his country. As recent as this past month, he was a special guest at the unveiling of a new coin by the Royal Canadian Mint that will commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong.
As in past years, there will be the commemorative laying of wreaths by community members and service personnel, with an important involvement by community children. The Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Niverville Fire and Emergency Services, and many other service people will be represented. A full two minutes of silence will close the ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
The program will be filled with music and video presentations to engage and educate. The committee encourages families to attend to help teach the next generation about the importance of this day.
Poppies will be available, with all donations going to support veterans and their families. Out of respect, there will be a designated area where people can lay their poppies once the ceremony has ended. Donations will also be accepted to help cover the cost of the event and future Remembrance Day ceremonies.
