‘Keep the spirit alive’

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This article was published 13/11/2023 (909 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As hundreds of Brandon residents and Western Manitoba came together on Saturday at the Keystone Arena to remember the sacrifices made by generations of Canadians in service to their country, Col. Ed Roberds said that learning from war history will contribute to a more peaceful future.

“Try to learn from the sacrifices of heroes past. That doesn’t always work,” Roberds told the Sun Saturday afternoon. “If we continue to educate our young people about the horrors of war and the sacrifice that people have had to make, maybe someday we’ll get to that point where the person in uniform is not required. That would be my ultimate dream.”

“If we never had to have the military, that would be great. But until that time, I think it’s ensured that we have the right people doing the right job. They honour the uniform. And then we have the rest of our folks supporting that.”

He reflected on the current state of learning from history, explaining that some nations are learning because the world has not seen a great war. “We’ve seen one more, a second war and seeing smaller conflicts. I would say we’re learning on this side, maybe not everybody’s learning,” he said. “Once we can set all that aside, it’ll create a more peaceful future.”

He also said that it is important for all to remember both veterans and current serving members.

“My message is seeing the number of people that came out, just reminding them of what our veterans and what our current members do and trying to keep that alive,” Roberds told the Sun. “Talk to your local military folks, your veterans, your current serving members, and maybe there’s a job for you in the Canadian Forces as well. Keep the spirit alive.”

Reflecting on the significance of Remembrance Day, Roberds explained that the day is to remember the sacrifices that were made in the past. The colonel’s words echoed a call for perpetual education and remembrance, fostering hope for a future without the need for military service.

The Remembrance Day celebration was an event marked by solemn tributes, heartfelt reflections, and the resounding call to keep the spirit of remembrance alive.

This year’s event was graced by the presence of Colonel EHJ Roberds CD, Director of Capability Analysis, whose roots in Brandon run deep. He is married to Maj. (retired) Josiane, an Aerospace Engineer, who delivered a keynote message that resonated with the attendees.

Acknowledging the current significance of the military’s role, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said that it is unfortunately more relevant than ever in the present.

“Unfortunately, it’s more relevant than ever right now,” Mayor Fawcett told the Sun. “We live in a strange world where we’re needing our military, unfortunately, again, more than ever.”

As the event unfolded, a focal point was the laying of a memorial wreath, a time-honoured tradition symbolizing respect for the fallen. The Royal Canadian Legion offered a selection of wreaths, memorial crosses, and other commemorative items, underscoring the depth of the community’s commitment to honouring its military history.

The gathered crowd gave applause to soldiers with the Second Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry as they marched into the arena, following the groups of navy and army cadets who joined the ceremony for the march of the Colour Guard. There are several members of the Canadian Armed Forces at the event, honouring their fallen heroes.

Captain Laura Turner is one of them. The dedicated member of the Canadian Armed Forces for two years shared her heartfelt connection to her role.

“I’m driven by the opportunity to represent my country and be the one they call upon when our nation needs support,” Turner told the Sun. “Wearing the uniform is not just a duty; it symbolizes the rich history of the Canadian Armed Forces.”

On a day like Remembrance Day, she said veterans and serving officers pause to remember the fallen colleagues, reflecting on the profound history and what it genuinely means to be a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. “As a newer member, it’s vital for me to take today to truly grasp the significance of wearing this uniform,” she said.

Corp. Derrick Welles, a dedicated member of the army for a decade, spoke passionately about his family’s military legacy and the personal significance of Remembrance Day.

“For me, Remembrance Day holds a deep significance because my entire family has served in the Air Force, Navy, and the Army,” he said. “Grandfather, father – they all served on multiple fronts. Everyone who has served is a hero in their way, spanning from the Cold War to the Gulf War.”

“It’s an honour to be here, to remember and pay tribute to those who have served and made sacrifices for the greater good. Standing here, seeing everyone who honours them, always evokes powerful emotions. They deserve to be remembered; they deserve that honour.”

Expressing his hopes for the future, Welles added, “I love my job, I love what I do. I’ve had the privilege of going overseas, meeting new people, and showcasing what Canada stands for – our dedication to training and defending our nation. I hope that when I have children, I can convince them to follow in my footsteps and join the military.

Considering the city’s proximity to Canadian Forces Base Shilo and the various activities associated with it, Mayor Fawcett explained that events like Remembrance Day carry substantial weight in areas such as Brandon and the broader Westman region, impacting everyone in the country.

“This impact is even more pronounced due to the unique circumstance of having soldiers trained directly within Brandon, in our Westman region,” he said. “The distinctive connection between the military presence and the local community’s comprehension and endorsement of the armed forces, offering insights into the intricate dynamics that contribute to making Remembrance Day particularly significant for the people of Brandon.

Mayor Fawcett recognized the unique connection between the military presence and the local community’s understanding and support for the armed forces.

“The impact of Remembrance Day is significant in areas like Brandon, in our Westman region,” he said. ”The unique link between the military’s presence and the local community’s understanding and support for the armed forces provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that enhance the significance of Remembrance Day for the residents of Brandon. I do think there is even a little more so having our soldiers trained right here in our community.”

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