News

Remembering those who sacrificed for peace and freedom

November 20th, 2023

“In Flanders Fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row.” This is the beginning of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s 1915 poem, which commemorates the victims of the First World War.

Each November 11, often sporting poppies, Canadians pause to remember the people who served in the First World War, Second World War, Korean War and all the conflicts that have taken place—and continue to take place—since then.

At Points West Living, residents took the time to attend Remembrance Day services and make themed crafts.

“It is very important to commemorate this day as we have many residents and families who either lived through this time in history or were affected by it,” said Claudia Cupasachoa, Recreation Aide at Cold Lake.

Here, residents painted poppy flowers onto canvases, which then decorated the common area for the ceremony. Residents and families also attended the Remembrance Day service led by Pastor Jeff from Harbour Light Alliance Church. At the end of the service, residents received a poppy flower donated by PWL Cold Lake.

PWL Stettler also had an emotionally moving day. “It was a beautiful ceremony. The Remembrance Day ceremony is important to many of our residents as they lived during the years of many wars and knew family and friends who were sent to war, with only some coming back,” said Deidre Northrop, Recreation Coordinator. “I am proud that we are able to hold an annual ceremony with the Legion to show the importance of remembering those who fought for us.”

The ceremony was attended by residents, family members, employee care partners and others, while guests from the Stettler Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 provided a “colour party” (flag bearers) and read “In Flanders Fields.” Many residents stepped forward with pride and laid a wreath to honour parents, siblings, spouses, children and other loved ones.

The day was also commemorated at PWL Wainwright, where residents and others joined Legion members and veterans for a meaningful service.

At PWL Heritage House in Vegreville, residents created a bulletin board of handmade poppies, plus attended a service with the Legion, where Diane Lydom sang and played hymns on the piano and resident Orest Fodchuk laid a wreath representing residents who are veterans.

See photos here:

• Cold Lake
• Heritage House
• Stettler
• Wainwright