The community of Rama First Nation weathered the cold, snow and wind Friday to honour their veterans.
Members of area emergency services, the military, and dignitaries paraded from the fire hall to Rama United Church, where wreaths were laid at the cenotaph and Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School students sang and played a drum.
Following the lengthy service, all were invited to the fire hall to warm up and enjoy lunch.
After having a bite to eat, Annie Shilling reflected on the significance of the day.
“We want to thank (the veterans),” said the 10-year-old girl, who sang with her school’s choir at the service. “They went to war so we can live the way we live now.”
Fellow choir member Jaden Bechthold-Coon was honoured to sing O Canada and God Save the Queen — both in Ojibway — for those in attendance.
“I’m proud that our school has the opportunity to sing at the ceremony,” she said, adding it’s important for kids her age to take part as a way to thank veterans “who risked their lives and lost their lives for us.”
Standing out among the crowd Friday, in their red sweaters and camouflage pants, were members of the Canadian Rangers. An arm of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Rangers patrol communities in the North, conduct search-and-rescue missions and often train military members on survival skills. They are in this part of the province to take part in a few Remembrance Day services.
“We have to do this in memory of our fallen Aboriginal war veterans,” said Sgt. Charlie Linklater.
Fellow Ranger Gilbert Spence, of Attawapiskat, agreed, noting his grandfather served in the Second World War.
“I joined because of him, and that’s why I always attend these ceremonies,” he said. “When Remembrance Day comes, my mom gets emotional thinking about her father. It’s good for the community when you show up and show support.”
Rama has only one surviving Second World War veteran. He was not in attendance Friday, as he now lives in Western Canada.
