COLD LAKE - On Nov. 11, the community came together for Remembrance Day at the Cold Lake Energy Centre.
The ceremony began with a land acknowledgment, followed by the national anthem and two minutes of silence, giving attendees a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by Canadian Armed Forces members.
A reading of In Flanders Fields set the tone for the day’s commemorations.
Col. Mark Hickey, Commanding Officer of 4 Wing Cold Lake, delivered a powerful address, sharing the significance of the event and its lasting importance.
“It is a great honour to stand before you today during this year's Remembrance Day ceremony, a solemn occasion, hosted once again in collaboration with the City of Cold Lake, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211, and CFB of 4 Wing Cold Lake,” said Hickey.
“As we gather here today, we join countless others across Canada and around the globe, all united in a shared purpose. Today carries with it a profound significance that transcends time and place.”
Hickey spoke about the solemn duty of remembrance and the collective debt owed to those who served.
“This annual Canadian vigil - a thread woven into the very fabric of what it means to be Canadian - serves as our moment to pause, reflect, and honour those who have selflessly served our great country, as well as those who continue to serve it today.”
He highlighted the courage and commitment required to wear the uniform.
“It is certainly true that every Canadian who has ever made the decision to don the uniform did so fully aware of the serious implications that accompany such a commitment.”
Looking to the future, Hickey underscored the enduring importance of acts of remembrance in a changing global landscape.
“In this context, it is even more important that we engage in acts of remembrance today, knowing that we remember for several reasons - first, to honour those who gave their very lives for democracy and the freedoms that we enjoy today. Their sacrifices can never be fully measured or paid.”
Following Hickey’s speech, wreaths were laid to honour fallen soldiers. Todd Rorke, President of Cold Lake Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211, also spoke, touching on the purpose behind Remembrance Day.
“Remembrance Day is not to glorify the war, but to pay our respects to the men and women who have served and are serving in our country, and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our rights and giving us the freedoms we enjoy today,” he said.
Reflecting on the symbolism of the poppy, Rorke also provided insights into its origins and the significance it holds.
"In 1921, [Moina Michael] spoke at a conference of the Great Border Veterans Association . . . and they had agreed to adopt the red poppy as its symbol of remembrance,” said Rorke.
The ceremony concluded with Rorke’s reminder for attendees to support and thank Canadian Armed Forces members.
“I’ll close now by saying thank you for attending our services today, wearing your poppy, and donating to the poppy fund. Without your generosity, the Legion could not carry out its mandate to help our veterans and their families, and again, I say thank you.”
