CANORA - The annual Decoration Day service took place at the Canora Cemetery on June 4, to honour those who gave so much in service for Canada in times of war and peace.
But this year, the dedication of the new veterans’ monument at the cemetery, created by Ironworks Manufacturing of Yorkton, added even more significance to the day.
The dedication service opened with the singing of O Canada.
Thom Carnahan, padre for the Canora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, told those in attendance, “Today we gather for a very important mission in the life of our Canora Royal Canadian Legion Branch. We are here to dedicate this new replacement memorial to the glory of God and to our veterans. This monument is a work of art and depicts the imagery of respect and remembrance toward our veterans.”
Carnahan shared a scripture reading, The Memorial Stones, from Joshua 4:5-7: “Joshua said to them, ‘Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, one for each of the tribes of the Israelites, so that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial for ever.’”
To highlight the importance of the new monument, Carnahan shared the story of the Clan Farquharson Cairn.
“When a clansman went into battle, he left a stone on a cairn. When he returned he retrieved his stone. The remaining stones counted the lives lost. It is a memorial remembering and honouring deceased clan members and is a sacred site. Today in Canora we do likewise.”
Carnahan prayed a prayer of dedication for the new monument.
“Bless us now as we dedicate this memorial to your glory, and in grateful memory of those who laid down their lives for our sake; and because of this hallowed location and purpose of respecting and remembering veterans, this Royal Canadian Legion Branch, in God’s name declares this memorial to be sacred. Send your Spirit upon us when we assemble here in the future to honor their memory, and to remember them; and that we may follow their example of faith, hope and love. Amen. Lest we forget. Lest we forget.”
The memorial monument was unveiled by Chris Sokoloski, president of the Canora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and Deb Gabora, Canora Legion vice-president.
“We dedicate this memorial to the glory of God and our veterans,” stated President Sokoloski.
The dedication of the monument was followed by the Decoration Day service, which began with the opening prayer by Carnahan.
“Heavenly Father, as this day we gather round our new War Memorial and decorate the graves of our fallen comrades, accept our memorial of their sacrifice, and this offering of praise and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Carnahan shared the story of Decoration Day, which began on June 2, 1890.
“Originally, the celebration was a protest for veterans of the Battle of Ridgeway who felt that their contributions were being overlooked. The veterans placed decorations at a monument in Toronto on the anniversary of the battle. This became an annual event on the weekend nearest the original date. That is why we are here today.”
The scripture chosen by Carnahan was from Psalm 46: 1,8-9: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.”
Carnahan followed with a Decoration Day prayer.
“They served and died that we might be safe and free. Grant them, Lord, eternal Peace. In these uncertain days, let’s not forget the price they paid. May all people be united in your care, and teach us how to live peacefully so we may learn to love and give. Keep us ever mindful of our fighting people who sleep in foreign lands so we may ever keep the light of freedom burning in their honour.”
Wreaths were laid at the new monument in honour of our veterans.
The service closed with the singing of God Save the King.
Following the service, cake and refreshments were served at the Legion Dugout.
