Article appeared in the Nov 17 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
More than 300 attended the Remembrance Day ceremonies held at the Arborg Community Centre the morning of Nov. 11. It was a thoughtfully put together event that involved the contributions of numerous community members of all age groups.
Glenn Syme, former RCMP officer who was stationed in Arborg, was Master of Ceremonies.
The Colour Party included veterans, David Ostrysnuik, Peter Maksymchuk, Tyler Zubriski, Chad Timchishen, and Leroy Loewen. Representatives from the RCMP, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, 92 Squadron, of Gimli, Arborg-Bifrost fire fighters, and the Ladies Auxiliary followed with officials.
After the traditional program elements, Caroline Kilbrei’s grade 3/4 class from Arborg Early Middle School gave a delightful and heart-warming vocal performance of “Peace I Leave with You”, and later students read from postcards sent to soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.
Nine wreaths were laid, the first by World War Two veteran, Peter Maksymchuk; the second by Silver Cross Mother, Annie Yanisew. Others laying wreaths were Paul Lacoursiere of the RCMP; Bryan Foster and Gail Blahey for the Arborg Legion and Legion Auxilary; Ben Borg fjord on behalf of MP James Bezan; Sean Palsson on behalf of MLA Tom Nevakshonoff, Mayor Randy Sigurdson on behalf of Arborg; Chief George Chyzy for Fire Department-8; and Chelsey Einarson on behalf of Youth.
“God bless the Royal Canadian Legion for keeping the loved ones’ memories alive,” said a message from Marlene Wuskynyk, whose two sons fought in Afghanistan. Wuskynyk was unable to attend. Sue Medwid, manager of the Royal Canadian Legion in Arborg, read the message on her behalf.
In his talk, Chaplain Tim Reimer highlighted the need to respect and honour one another, regardless of our cultural differences, whether around the world or at home in Canada.
“It is God’s will that the seven billion of us somehow get along,” Reimer said.
At the closing of the ceremonies, Syme, gave a deeply felt presentation about his efforts to locate the graves of the Canadian soldiers who fought and died in Europe. Syme has made trips to Europe for the last three year with that mission in mind. While in Europe he visited graveyards and cenotaphs. He has been to Holland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and in May, 2011, he visited Germany and Italy.
Syme’s presentation included a video account of gravesites and memorials, as well as photos of his stop at the Dachau concentration camp in Germany.
Syme is working on a book of remembrance for Interlake veterans.
