Skip to content

A hundred years after WWI ends, residents of Bashaw remember

Annual Remembrance Day ceremony focuses on Armistice
14393427_web1_181121-BAS-RemembranceDay_1
A packed Legion was once again on hand to participate in the annual Remembrance Day service in Bashaw Nov. 11. Photo by Jordie Dwyer

Remembrance Day is always an important time in Bashaw, though this year marked a special event in Canada’s war history and that of the community.

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour 100 years ago, the fight of the First World War officially ended. Bashaw lost a total of 14 residents during the conflict.

The Royal Canadian Legion was packed as usual for the ceremony that included several hymns and the laying of wreaths along with a message of remembrance done this year by Chaplain Terry Peterman.

Speaking about how ‘we must remember’, he focused on the sacrifices made by not only those involved in conflicts on behalf of Canadians, but also on others that committed themselves to standing up for what was right.

“I saw a sign recently that stated, ‘They gave their futures so we can have our future.’ As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the armistice — the end of WWI — we pause and remember the casualties of battle,” he said.

“We pause and remember the wounded and the afflicted that carry the scars both physically and mentally. We remember those that have come home, left the battle behind, have battled in their minds and ended their lives in suicide. We pause to remember those lost in WWII and in the many conflicts afterward.”

He noted Canadians should feel both pride and sorrow regarding the lives taken and sacrifices made because of the peace and prosperity this country enjoys.

“I think there is no better way to honour them, by looking at the choice they had to make when danger and evil threatened,” he stated. “Do we truly grasp and comprehend what it means to ‘stand on guard’ and lay down your life for a country?”

Peterman also referred to the Bible in stating, “where we hear there is no greater love than that one would lay down their life for a friend.”

“It’s not an optional extra, a lifestyle choice or some box you tick that show you understand the terms and conditions. It is a commandment that we love one another.”

His conclusion reiterated the overall theme of ensuring people remember all — from soldiers to peacekeepers to police and others that protect the public.

Bashaw Legion president Bev Gallagher provided a bit of history to the crowd regarding the WWI conflict and Canada’s contributions, including how instrumental the force had been in helping secure what effectively was a German surrender.

“Canada had no army to speak of when WWI began, but the initial divisions came together quickly. Canada was still a raw force when the poison (chlorine) gas attack took place at Ypres (Belgium),” she said.

“They helped hold the line, which marked the beginning of the Canadians building their reputation of learning to fight and win. However, the casualties in WWI were enormous for Canada with over 66,000 deaths and nearly 175,000 wounded.”

Bashaw and area residents lost — WWI: H.C. Blackmore, Edward Brophy, Rev. O. Creighton, William Dyson, Frank Fisher, Ivan Fisher, James Miller, Henry Northwest, Raymond Reay, Charles Raymond, Alex Salmon, Bruce Salmon, W. Storey, Alfred Williams; WWII: R.S. Bullock, Bruce Cowan, Ken Earnshaw, Earl Joiden, Steve Kostenuk, Phil McNair, Holver Mohler, Lloyd Northey, Art Northey, True Nelson, William Pearson, Richard Reay, R. Renman, William Schultz.

14393427_web1_181121-BAS-RemembranceDay_2
Leslie Kohlman performs the last post at the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day ceremony at the Bashaw Legion. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
14393427_web1_181121-BAS-RemembranceDay_3
Bashaw Royal Canadian Legion president Bev Gallagher, left, listens as Terry Peterman - chaplin with tr5 Ministries - delivers the main address to the overflow crowd gathered inside. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
14393427_web1_181121-BAS-RemembranceDay_5
The cenotaph lined by wreaths inside Bashaw’s Royal Canadian Legion branch following the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day service. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
14393427_web1_181121-BAS-RemembranceDay_6
The cenotaph lined by wreaths inside Bashaw’s Royal Canadian Legion branch following the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day service. Photo by Jordie Dwyer