Thousands filled Saskatoon’s SaskTel Centre on Wednesday for the country’s largest indoor Remembrance Day service. Several dignitaries were on hand for the 95th edition of the service, with Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre among those laying wreaths at the cenotaph. Chief Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Albert Boucher led a stirring tribute to the wounded, as well as Canadian Armed Forces members recently lost, including the four soldiers killed last month in Wainwright. A prayer for world peace and hope was read by Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky, Congregation Agudas Israel, while Elder Irene Sharpe of Flying Dust First Nation led a prayer for healing. Colonel (Ret’d) Malcolm Young, SOM, CD committee vice chair was tasked with reading In Flanders Fields, the iconic poem written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during the first World War. Remembrance Day services were also held in Saskatoon Civic Square and at the University of Saskatchewan. In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, 1872-1918 In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
