On November 11, more than 700 people gathered at the Heritage Centre in Niverville to commemorate Remembrance Day, marking the volunteer-organized ceremony’s twentieth year. Lorraine Kehler, whose son Samuel serves in the Navy, took on the role of Master of Ceremonies.
In honour of the 100-year anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the ceremony included a video presentation featuring NCI teacher Deanna Wiebe, her husband Greg Wiebe, and two of Deanna’s former students, Amanda McVicar and Jane Fast. These four were part of a group who visited the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. As a tribute to the iconic battle, they reflected on what it was like to see the memorial and visit the graves.
Grade Four students from Niverville Elementary sang “O Canada,” “God Save the Queen,” and “We’ll Meet Again.” They were led by teacher Lois Neufeld and accompanist Julie Wiebe.
As a sign of solemn observance, cadets Aiden and Ryleigh Bruce held vigil of the onstage memorial. Chris Marchand and Matthew Antonio led a prayer for peace.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, the Royal Canadian Legion, the RM of Taché, the Town of Niverville, youth, and the Fire and Emergency Personnel of Niverville.
Guests were invited to a light lunch after the service.
Elsewhere, Provencher MP Ted Falk appeared at a Remembrance Day ceremony in Lorette.
“Today, Canadians across our great country gathered in parks and community centres and around cenotaphs and war memorials to honour our men and women in uniform and the sacrifices they have made and will continue to make,” Falk said in a statement. “We paused to reflect on those who’ve, indeed, made the ultimate sacrifice. That these brave citizens would put their lives on the line to defend our freedom, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law is most honourable. It’s a debt of gratitude we can never repay.”
