Remembrance Day 2019 in Niverville will be commemorated with a ceremony at the Heritage Centre, beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. As in previous years, the ceremony will be followed by a light lunch open to all those in attendance.

This year’s ceremony will pay particular attention to the seventh-fifth anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

In addition to serving as Master of Ceremonies, Abe Klassen will recount his recent trip to Vimy Ridge and other memorial sites in France and Belgium. He will share how powerful it was to see these historical places in person and the tremendous impact it has had on him and his family.

The Niverville High School band will provide music prior to the ceremony. The event will also feature the involvement of representatives of the Niverville Scouts and Girl Guides, as well as other community youth. Cadet Riley Bruce will stand vigil during the ceremony.

Melanie Bergen will then lead the musical program, with bugler Abigail Olfert and bagpiper Rod Christie performing during the Acts of Remembrance.

The local RCMP, Niverville Fire and Emergency Services, and cadets will provide additional assistance before and during the event. Various members of government, including MLA Ron Schuler, will take part in the wreath-laying ceremony.

“It is important for us to have various members of the community taking part is this event, in particular our youth,” explains Natalie Batkis, committee member. “By involving them, our hope is that Remembrance Day becomes more connected to them in a meaningful way. Our service is open to anyone in Niverville and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to reach more and more people each year to ensure we never forget those who have served and are serving in conflicts around the world.”

The Niverville Remembrance Day Ceremony has an average of 700 attendees. As the committee receives no funding from local governments, it relies heavily on the generosity of community members in order for the ceremony to continue year to year.

St. Adolphe will also host its annual Remembrance Day service, with guests gathering at 10:40 a.m. by the cenotaph at 352 Main Street. Following the service, coffee and refreshments will be served at Club Amical. The organizers also would like to remind people that this ceremony will take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly.