2021 Remembrance Day ceremony in Prince Albert. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW)
We Remember

Veterans inspired by Remembrance Day turnout

Nov 11, 2021 | 1:33 PM

It wasn’t as elaborate as previous years, but it meant just as much for those in attendance.

About 150 people gathered around the cenotaph outside of Prince Albert City Hall for this year’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Glen Stieb has marched as part of the colour party during the ceremony for 23 years. He’s been with the Army Navy Airforce Veterans (Anavets) in Prince Albert for 25 years.

“It’s a pleasure to see all these people despite this weather. Its nice to see people showing up. I’m very surprised with the gathering and very pleased.”

Although attendance numbers were fewer this year, Stieb said the meaning behind Remembrance Day hasn’t been lost.

“For the past few years at the Armoury, our attendances have been going up ever since Afghanistan and Iraq – people have been coming out to recognize our veterans and what the Armed Forces does,” Stieb said.

Joining Stieb in the colour party was Gary Renaud, sergeant-at-arms for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch Prince Albert. He’s been a part of the volunteer service for 15 years.

“Mostly I worked with cadets and training cadets to be good young citizens and hopefully become members of our Armed Forces later in their lives,” Renaud said.

He encouraged youth in the community to consider the Cadets program. He said he’s watched recruits grow in self-esteem and become proud of who they are and what they’ve accomplished.

“We had, at one time, a girl from Saskatchewan and she was the first in the prairie provinces to get her jump wings. She jumped from an airplane and got her wings and she joined the Armed Forces and became a nurse,” Renaud said.

Stieb also encouraged members of the public to consider membership within the Anavets. He said they often gather for fellowship, shuffleboard, darts and dances.

“Our veterans have been slowly declining but we are open to the public for our events,” he said.

Members of the Prince Albert Fire Department, Police Service and RCMP were among those in attendance. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW)

Canadians returned to cenotaphs and monuments across the country today to remember and pay their respects to those who fought and died in service of Canada. This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies are in stark contrast to last year, when organizers discouraged people from attending in person because of the second wave of COVID-19.

-With files from the Canadian Press

panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW

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