Remembrance Day

Lt D.A. Gray, 1st Tp Ldr, C Sqn
23 November 2008

Remembrance Day this year began with the year’s first snowfall, giving a white background to the many Remembrance Day parades throughout the city of Edmonton and the surrounding area. This year Remembrance Day saw a good chunk of the Regiment going to Fort Saskatchewan, with many other people representing the Regiment at all ceremonies throughout the area. C Squadron and Headquarters Squadron, which is making up the majority of the Regiment left back in Canada were the Regiment’s main effort and headed up the Fort Saskatchewan parade.

The parade kicked off just prior to eleven o’clock making the short march through the snowy streets of Fort Saskatchewan and ending up at the Cenotaph in front of the legion where the ceremony was held. This years parade included cadets, cubs, scouts, beavers, RCMP, many Legion members and of course the two squadrons from the Strathcona’s. The Strathcona’s Historical Vehicle Troop was also on hand to lead the parade with one of its restored Sherman Tanks. The ceremony was relatively short with readings from several ministers and padres including the Strathcona’s very own Padre Larsen. This was followed by the playing of the last post and the laying of many wreaths in remembrance of all those who have given their lives in service to Canada.

Once the parade was complete everyone was invited into the Legion where all were able to share a few stories over a drink or two and many were able to talk to the veterans who were in attendance and hear their stories. Many were then treated to a special meal put on by the Legion members, which included roast beef sandwiches. As things began to wind down, the numbers at the legion thinned and many went off to celebrate and remember in their own special way.

Overall, the Regiment and the Squadron were able to remember and honour all the people who have lost their lives in conflicts including the First World War, the Second World War, Korea, Peacekeeping missions and of course Afghanistan. Much of the Regiment was especially able to remember Cpl Nathan Hornburg and Tpr Michael Hyakaze, both of whom have lost their lives in Afghanistan in service to our country.