Neepawa remembers

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Published on Tuesday, November 11, 2014

                                                                                                                                                     Photos by Eoin Devereux

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

Neepawa and area took the time to remember those who have proudly served our country, as a large gathering of people filled the Yellowhead Hall on Tuesday for the annual Remembrance Day service.

The event features the ceremonial laying of the wreaths from representatives of the town of Neepawa, the provincial and federal government, as well as the RCMP, Royal Canadian Legion and several other communities and organizations.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 member Bob Ferguson organized the day and said the support for this event continues to be very strong. He added that it was wonderful to see the backing from the younger generations continue to grow.

“I’ve been involved with the Remembrance Day ceremonies here in Neepawa for about 30 years and every year the service gets better,” said Ferguson. “It’s very good. There was excellent representation. The cadets have done a magnificent job. We’re well represented by our youth groups. The Cubs, Scouts, the Guides, the Brownies and 4-H Club. This commemoration will only last as long as our youth support it, so we need to keep our youth involved.” 

Ferguson noted that seven of the 15 veterans of World War Two, who continue to live in and around the Neepawa area, were able to attend the ceremony. He said having them involved gives the occasion extra significance.

“It’s just recognizing our veterans, who are anywhere from 88 to 95 years of age. We don’t have a lot of them anymore. They really make this ceremony very meaningful,” said Ferguson. “We have several other former military, who have retired to the area, who also attend. It’s nice to have them in our community.”