Cadets on guard at Veterans Memorial for Sunday ceremony. Photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Members of the public joined members of the Rocky Mountains Rangers, the Royal Canadian Legion, RCMP, Sea Cadets, Army and Air Cadets, the Navy League and the Scouts at Sunday’s military church parade at the Prince George Memorial Cemetery.

Under backdrop of the October deaths of two members of the Canadian military in Quebec and Ottawa, the biting wind which blew through the cemetery provided a poignant note to the ceremony marking remembrance of those who have chosen to serve the country and, in some cases, paid the ultimate price.

Flanked by 159 Honour Flags, the parade column marched to the Veterans Memorial where Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 padre Susan Scott led a prayer for the colours, all of the assembled flags. She asked that “all those rallying to these flags may follow the example of St. George, who rallied to the cause. May those who march under the flag do battle with the forces of evil, and in victory at last may they triumph in heaven.” She also said a series of prayers for those who serve us every day: the RCMP, Rocky Mountain Rangers, the Sea, Navy League and Air Force Cadets, Royal Canadian Legion members, firefighters, EMTs and the City of Prince George.

Scott explained how each community in Canada has a special place for honouring those who went to fight for their country and did not return. She said Prince George is blessed with two places, at Veterans Square in front of City Hall and the memorial at the cemetery. “This memorial includes the faithful men and women of every shape, size and ethnicity who answered the call, who returned and are now at rest. It includes those who we know by name and those we do not. It includes those who were welcomed back as well as those who struggled to make sense of life. Together we owe them an enormous debt. Today in this place, amongst our own, past and present, we acknowledge the service and dedication.”

Her comments were followed by a minute of silence and a piper’s lament, the playing of Amazing Grace.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond told those on hand that “when we started the Church Parade a number of years ago, we would not have had a full parking lot where people actually have to park on the other side of the road. That is amazing and we are so grateful that so many today have chosen to come and take a moment in front of this cenotaph to say thank you. We’re surrounded by men and women who make a difference in our community and in our world every day, and to each of you, whether first responder, member of the RCMP, cadets, those who serve in the Rocky Mountain Rangers and today most importantly our veterans. There was a writer who said a hero is someone who has given his or her life for something bigger than oneself, and today that’s why we are here, to remember people who have given of themselves.” Bond says “it’s our job to remember, to be grateful, to teach our children and grandchildren to remember.”

“In the next few weeks you can go and give blood in honour of the Fitzpatrick family who are grieving the loss of their son on the battle field. We can do that. So today I hope that as we remember and share with one another our deepest gratitude that we will feel proud as Canadians for the men and women who served on our behalf. We will remember them.”

“Mayor Shari Green said it was an honour and privilege “to say thank you on behalf of the City of Prince George and a special thank you to those who serve on behalf of the City in uniform, firefighters, RCMP and our Bylaw Officers as well. It’s a very important day for all of us to be here today and honour those whose names we see, to many names, who gave their lives so that we could enjoy and be privileged enough to live in a country strong and free like Canada is.”

Prior to the closing of the ceremony, wreaths were laid at the Veterans Memorial by Shirley Bond, Mayor Green, John Scott on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, RCMP Chief Superintendent Rod Booth, Elizabeth Zook and Captain Eric Callaghan with Prince George Fire Rescue, the parents of Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick and the veterans of Juno Beach.