The victims of the deadly fire at CFB Wainwright were at top of mind at a public remembrance ceremony at the Alberta legislature on Wednesday. The event commemorated the service and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers ahead of Indigenous Veterans Day on Sunday and Remembrance Day. Legislative Assembly Speaker Ric McIver called this year’s ceremony, happening just 18 days after the incident at CFB Wainwright, “especially meaningful.” Four soldiers were killed and 39 others were injured while training at CFB Wainwright on Oct. 17. Premier Danielle Smith called the tragedy evidence that “sacrifice and loss are also the price of vigilance and combat readiness, not just active conflicts.” “This event is a heartbreaking reminder that stepping up to serve your country always requires courage,” she said. “It’s incumbent upon us, the civilian beneficiaries of this bravery and sacrifice, to remember the cost willingly paid by our fallen soldiers for us, for our children, and for our nation. This is our civic duty to honour their memory, cherish their sacrifice, and mourn their loss. We will forever carry gratitude in our hearts for the men and women who have served and who continue to serve in armed conflicts around the world.” The ceremony consisted of a blessing from Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack, remarks from Alberta NDP and Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi and Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney, performances of “In Flanders Fields,” “The Last Post,” “The Rouse” and “I Vow to Thee, My Country.”
