Veterans honoured
Remembrance Day ceremony held in Glace Bay
The Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay was filled with people on Saturday for a Remembrance Day ceremony.
The event started with members involved in the event marching in a parade from the Convergys parking lot to the Savoy Theatre at 10 a.m.
After the parade, almost 800 people made their way into the Savoy to honour both past and present military members.
Cape Bretoners from across the island came to the theatre to express their gratitude for veterans who served their country.
Carl Dean, 64, from Glace Bay, who is an honorary legion member, said it was heart warming to see veterans lining up and being celebrated at the ceremony.
“It just makes me feel good to come and see all the veterans coming out and the huge turn out that shows up. It’s really enjoyable to see,” said Dean.
The ceremony started with O Canada, played by the Salvation Army Band. Following the song, Father Norman MacPhee led the Savoy in an opening prayer.
There were dozens of service members from the Canadian Armed Forces present at the Savoy, not only in front seats, but also on stage. One of the military members who stood on stage was Pte. Bethany Snow.
She said she was proud to help recognize the importance of Remembrance Day.
“It’s really important to serve your country and Remembrance Day ceremonies are always the most important day of the year, for us (military members),” said Snow, who added that the effort it took to be on stage was well worth the pay off.
“It was really good. It was definitely hard, but it was worth it for our veterans.”
Another active military member who was involved with the event was Leonard Rideout, 33, from Reserve Mines, who has served for 16 years.
He said every Remembrance Day is important.
“It’s important because I have family members who were in the military that passed away that were in a previous generation so it’s good to think about them,” said Rideout.
Beverley MacPherson, a civilian who was at the gathering, said the day was special for her and many others so they could remember the sacrifice soldiers have made through the years.
“What they did was give up all of their lives for us,” said MacPherson, who added that she was happy to see so many people at the Savoy Theatre during such a significant holiday.
“It’s so good to see so many people here today, people that care about Canada and our past,” she said.
The MC of the morning was Thomas Kennedy, who gave remarks after the opening, introduced guests including Mayor Cecil Clarke and thanked speakers. The ceremony finished with a prayer from Father Norman MacPhee, followed by a number by the Salvation Army Band.