This Remembrance Day marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice marking the end of the First World War and Airdrie locals had the opportunity to attend a remembrance ceremony in the Genesis Place Recreational Centre.

Genesis Place was absolutely packed with locals showing up to honor and remember sacrifices in the First World War.

 

President of the Airdrie Legion, Bill Drummond, says that the First World War helped define Canada as a nation.

 

"First of all, we have to keep in mind that when the First World War was over they said it was the war to end all wars. Well that's become a bit of a joke to be honest," says Drummond. "The First World War defined Canada as a country and it became a fighting force that had be reckoned with throughout the world"

 

In particular, Canada's sacrifices at the Battle of Vimy Ridge were incredible.

 

"Canadian regiments fought together for the first time as a combined unit. In fact (in) the Battle of Vimy Ridge they took more prisoners and more land and more of everything in 24 hours than any other force had done in four years prior to that."

 

Drummond reminds locals to take the time to also remember peace.

 

"Canadian administratives and allies, as far as I'm concerned, have contributed to and hopefully have added to keeping peace in the world as we see it today."

 

MP Black Richards says that this Remembrance Day he is taking time to reflect.

 

Richards remembers his trip to see First and Second World War sites and the impressions they left with him.

 

"I took my son to Europe and we visited some of the World War One sites and World War Two sites. In particular, I can remember the World War One sites. You just imagine what the men and women that served in uniform, what they would have gone through."

 

Richards agrees that the First World War was a huge defining moment for Canada.

 

"Many people have said that it was really the coming of age of Canada as its own nation. We were a pretty young country at that point and we really, really punched above our weight. I think that that was when we really announced ourselves to the world and what a presence and what a force Canada is and can be. 61,000 Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice during that war."

 

Richard says that although taking the time to remember every single year is important, he wishes that Canadians everywhere would remember more often, much like the people affected by the Canadian soldiers in the Battle of Ypres.

 

"they do a service every single evening. every single day of the year, every single year. They do a service in remembrance of what was done for their freedoms. And you think about it, we do it one day a year and I'm glad that we do. But, one thing I would really hope, is that maybe on occasions like this we might think that we have to remember and honor that sacrifice and that service every single day of the year."

 

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