Jasperites turned out in the hundreds to observe Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Jasper Activity Centre on November 11.
Captain (retired) Greg Key from The Jasper Legion emceed the event, noting that the hostilities of the First World War ceased on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
“Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace,” Cpt. Key said.
Key said more than 2.3 million Canadians have served throughout the nation’s history, with more than 118,000 of those making the ultimate sacrifice.
Standing as the Honour Guard for Jasper’s Remembrance Day ceremonies were members of 2 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, out of Shilo, Manitoba. They have been coming to Jasper for five years.
The Royal Canadian Artillery Band, out of Edmonton, accompanied Jasper’s Remembrance Day ceremonies, including an impeccable rendition of “Taps” by Sgt Jeremy Maitland.
Members of the Jasper Girl Guides helped various community representatives and dignitaries lay wreaths next to the cenotaph in the Jasper Activity Centre.
In memory of those who fought in the Korean War, Jasper’s “Grandpa” Dong Han lay a wreath. Jasperite Glenda Cornforth laid a wreath to commemorate those lost in the Canoe River disaster of 1950.
Jasper’s RCMP detachment Sgt. Rick Bidaisie dressed in Red Serge for the solemn occasion.
Jim Hau from Team Rubicon laid a wreath. Hau, from Edmonton, was among the first members of crews who deployed to Jasper following the July 2024 wildfire to help residents sift through the remains of their burned homes. Hau served in Bosnia and Afghanistan.
Olivia Tassoni from the Jasper Girl Guides read the poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian physician, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. In Flanders Fields was written during the First World War.
Rev. David Prowse, Padre of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #31, opened with a prayer and helped close Remembrance Day ceremonies with a benediction, or a blessing.
