Remembrance Day services held over the weekend

Posted on November 16, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

In honour of Canadian Veterans, various Remembrance Day ceremonies were held this past weekend to Honour Canadian Veterans in the past and present, and hold space to reflect on peace for the future.

Local Veteran and longtime resident of Coaldale, Karl Samuels joined Town of Coaldale officials for a flag-raising ceremony last Friday in front of Civic Square, in honour of Remembrance Day.

Samuels served in the Canadian Armed Forces aboard the HMCS Saskatchewan and as part of the 20th Independent Field Battery and 18th Air Defence Regiment, He has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #4 for 46 years and its also a member of the Royal Canadian Naval Alumni and Veterans UN NATO Canada. Samuels also served in Coaldale’s fire department for over eight years.

Councillors Bill Chapman and Lisa Reis, and Mayor Jack Van Rijn joined Samuels for the short ceremony, where the Town’s other three flags were lowered to half-mast. Van Rijn said, “It is important, not only for myself but for the rest of council as well for people to appreciate our Veterans.”

Highlighting the importance continuing to educate younger generations during this time of reflection and remembrance, and said in speaking with high school students at a recent  Remembrance Day service at Kate Andrews, “I explained to them that they have to look forward to the future, and they have to be the torch-bearers to make the world a better place.”

In addition to the multiple school services held last week, day-of services were also held in Nobleford, Picture Butte, and Coaldale on Nov. 11.