On Monday, Nov. 11, at 10:45 the Carlyle Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held a Remembrance Day ceremony for the town in the Carlyle Elementary School gymnasium.
Members of the RCMP and Legion participated in the Colour Guard, marching in the flags and marking the beginning of the solemn ceremony. Following the singing of O Canada, Jesse Twietmeyer trumpeted the Last Post, which was followed by two minutes of silence and Carlyle's roll call of those who served in World War I and World War II.
Dianne Twietmeyer and Nedra Clark then spoke of remembrances. Dianne addressed her parents who both served Australia during World War II, stating the haunting words related to many veterans: "They didn't die, but they never really got to live either." The experiences in the war changed them and prevented her parents from fully being, always held back by their memories. Clark then relayed a message written by a Holland youth, who was thankful for the liberation of the Netherlands by Canada and who will always remember the Canadian troops for what they did.
Katie Wilson was then joined by Pastor Carl Rushton to perform, "A Pittance of Time." Wilson's beautiful rendition was welcomed by the audience who applauded her heartfelt rendition of Terry Kelly's tribute to veterans.
This was followed by Pastor and Linda Rushton singing "Go Rest High on That Mountain," with the addition of Wilson's guitar.
This year Pastor Rushton was asked to deliver the sermon for the ceremonies. As he spoke the audience could see the passion for Remembrance Day and honouring those both fallen in battle and those who came home alive, changed, but alive.
"They remembered us every day on the foreign fields," Pastor Rushton stated. "How can we forget them?"
Pastor Rushton explained the importance of standing by those who return and honouring them for what they have sacrificed for us.
"Carlyle never forget that we are here because they were there," Pastor Rushton said.
As he spoke he looked through the crowd finding Jack Beatty sitting in the congregation who served in World War II.
"I see Jack Beatty here today," Pastor Rushton explained. "Jack Beatty I honour you. I thank you for all you've done."
Remembrance Day will always be important Pastor Rushton explained a need to do more for Canada's veterans throughout the year.
"Carlyle, we can never forget, if anything we need to do more for them," Pastor Rushton said.
This was followed by the laying of wreaths at the base of the cross constructed at the front of the gym.
The Colour Guard proceeded to march out the flags concluding the ceremony, which was then finished with the laying of three wreaths at the Cenotaph. Here a wreath was lain for World War I and World War II veterans, one for all veterans who returned from war, and one for UN/NATO members.
Overall the ceremony was very solemn, yet forceful in its meaning. Wanting to honour those who have proudly fought for our country.
