Remembrance in the Pass depends on us
On Nov. 11, I had the honour of attending all three Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Crowsnest Pass to lay a wreath on behalf of Canada for our Member of Parliament John Barlow. Each service was distinct, deeply moving and a powerful reminder of how this community continues to honour those who served and those who still do.
The day began at Crowsnest Consolidated High School, where the community service filled the gym. Legion members stood tall beside rows of cadets, veterans and active serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The ceremony was beautifully balanced, solemn yet hopeful, with poignant speeches and stirring music that carried through the gym. Seeing students, families and seniors gathered in shared silence reminded me how remembrance transcends generations. It is not a history lesson; it is a living act of gratitude.
Next, I travelled to the Coleman Legion, where the ceremony was held outdoors at the cenotaph. The November wind was relentless, but people still stood shoulder to shoulder, coats zipped and poppies pinned proudly. There is something profoundly humbling about standing outside in the gusts and listening to the words of remembrance under a pale autumn sky. It connects you to those who endured far more in fields and trenches far from home. This year’s ceremony carried a special touch, as Jamie Wasylien attended as the RCMP delegate after arriving home to take part. His presence added another layer of service and community pride to the occasion. The wreaths were laid with care and dignity, their red poppies bright against the grey stone, a quiet but powerful symbol of respect.
The final service of the day took place inside the Bellevue Legion. It was standing room only. This ceremony always carries a unique emotional weight, as it includes a roll call of members who have passed. Each name read aloud lands heavy in the heart, a reminder of the generations of local men and women who have dedicated their lives to service, community and country. Every time I hear those names, I feel that same lump rise in my throat. It is the sound of history being kept alive, one voice at a time.
Across all three ceremonies, there was a common thread: the remarkable level of support from this community. Government representatives, local businesses, organizations, schools and individuals all came forward to lay wreaths. The sea of red poppies, the cadence of the Last Post, 53 years strong by Walter Gail, and the solemn quiet of a room united in reflection were a testament to what makes this community so special. We remember not because we must, but because we choose to. And here at the Pass Herald, we were proud to capture every moment, thanks to John Kinnear, who has now been our longest serving writer and is perhaps the best photographer and historian in the Pass.
Yet as moving as these ceremonies are, they also serve as a gentle warning. Our Legions, the heart of remembrance in Canada, are struggling. Membership continues to decline as the generations who knew war firsthand fade into memory faster than younger people are joining. The men and women who built these institutions, who carried the weight of memory through decades of peace, are passing the torch. It is up to us to catch it.
The saying goes that a war happens every three generations because the young forget the cost of the last one. That should give us pause. Remembrance is not just about wearing a poppy once a year; it is about supporting the organizations that keep the stories, lessons, and sacrifices alive. Our local Legions are more than halls with memorabilia. They are living archives of courage and community. They are where stories are shared, where veterans find fellowship, and where young people can learn what service truly means.
If we want our children and grandchildren to understand the depth of sacrifice that built the freedoms we enjoy, we must make sure the Legions remain strong. They cannot do it without us. Attend their events. Become a member. Bring your kids. Ask questions. Listen to the stories and, above all, remember.