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Cadets and an RCMP officer snap a salute in memory of those who died when Canada went to war decades ago. Some of the remaining veterans (shown right) in this district look on at wreaths in the hall on Tuesday morning. From this area, 40 people lost their lives serving for Canada—and freedom. ©Provost News Photo. More photos in November 12 edition of The Provost News. Want to Subscribe to The Provost News? Click here.

They Fought So Freedoms Wouldn’t be Suppressed —Speaker • Full House Here on Remembrance Day The Provost Recreation and Culture Centre hall was filled with people in Provost on Tuesday morning, November 11 as the community gathered to pay respect and gave thanks to the men and women who fought in Canada’s wars and conflicts. Piper Tom Ward brought in Legion members and special guests to begin the service. After O Canada was sung, Legion member Luther Lerseth gave opening remarks and noted that 40 from the Provost district died while Canada fought in World War I and World War II. He also led the crowd in prayer. The Lord’s My Shepherd was sung by the congregation. Darlene Downing then read two poems on behalf of the Provost Legion. The Last Post was played followed by two minutes of silence and then the reading of names of those from the district who gave their lives in World War I and II.

The names of those local men who died in World War I, 1914 - 1918: H. Adams, M. Anderson, W. Beatson, L. Bethune, S. Burge, J. Cagney, A. Creighton, C. Curtis, D. Edgar, C. Haughen, W. Irwin, M. R. Keffler, J. Leitheiser, K. Massey, P. B. Portway, W. Purdy, S. Smith, H. Stubbs, R. Tinsley, J. W. Watson, F. A. Weavers, F. Williams, E. Whittle and C. Wren. Comrade Lerseth read the names of others who died fighting for Canada, 1939 - 1945: Beverley Agar, August Bernard, Wilbert Bevan, Dale Butler, Alvin Broemeling, Ora Hall, Carl Kjos, Paul Larson, Conrad Martens, Rogers Pick, Jacob Rehman, Kenneth Rud, Gordon Shand, Curtis Smith, C. Wyatt Swanson and Fred Wittmack. Pastor Les Giesbrecht delivered a message of peace but first thanked those who went to war and acknowledged that it is hard for him to comprehend because of his relatively young age, what those people went through. “Thank you” he said to the veterans. Those who fought on the front lines did so that freedoms would not be suppressed. Giesbrecht talked about peace and connected it to readings from the Bible—including prophecy and the second coming of Jesus Christ. He talked about famine in the world today and shortages of food caused by war that will only increase. The pastor said that earthquakes experienced today will be minor compared to the final days predicted. The Associated Gospel Church minister also spoke of having peace in Jesus Christ and God and the hope that war and hostilities will end in this lifetime—and also of the eternal peace that is available. After the singing of the Canadian Forces hymn during war, Abide With Me, wreaths were then laid on behalf of, or in remembrance of: the Provost Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Auxiliary to the Legion, Air Cadets of the Royal Canadian Air Force, bereaved mothers, Government of Canada, Province of Alberta, Treasury Branch of Alberta, Town of Provost, M.D. No. 52, Provost Health Care Centre, Provost Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Kinsmen Club, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Border Credit Union, Ministerial Association, the Associated Gospel Church, St. Mary's C.W.L., St. Thomas Aquinas School, Provost Public School, the United Church Women’s Auxiliary, Central Lutheran Church Ladies, Provost Masonic Lodge, Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, in memory of comrade Mac Imeson, Carl Martin and Walter Murray. Reveille was sounded by bugler Rich Holmes and God Save the Queen was sung. Pianist was Irene McCormick. RCMP and Cadets also took part in the ceremony. Full story and picture in November 12 edition of The Provost News. Want to Subscribe to The Provost News? Click here.