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Giving veterans our respect

The Pason Centennial Arena has been home to plenty of major events over the past few years.

The Pason Centennial Arena has been home to plenty of major events over the past few years. There is the celebration of high school students making their steps into adulthood at the Foothills Composite High School graduations, the ridiculous winning streak of the Okotoks Oilers a year ago, and even a Minto Cup lacrosse championship. A major reason Okotokians enjoy the freedom of watching such events will be recognized Nov. 11 for the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Pason – on the 100th anniversary signing of the Armistice to end the First World War, in what was hoped to be, the War to End of Wars. Many historians felt Canada’s involvement in the First World War was when it truly became a nation. Canadians soldiers fought side by side in taking Vimy Ridge in 1917, proving their valour as one on the Western Front. Sadly, it wasn’t the War to End all Wars. Canadians have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Second World War, Korea and peace-keeping missions since that time. And Okotokians have shown that they will remember. The arena will be full as residents show their gratitude and respects for not only those brave women and men who gave their lives for Canada, but also those veterans who continue to make on-going sacrifices as they battle Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because of the horrors they experienced while fighting for their country. Fortunately, the days of soldiers being referred to as being “shell-shocked” are diminishing and those who suffer from PTSD are starting to receive the treatment and respect they have earned. They deserve the gratitude being shown in Okotoks this week, ranging from the respectful ceremonies at schools across the Foothills to what will we be packed ceremonies in Black Diamond and the Pason on Sunday. Showing our respects is the very least we can do on Nov. 11. Lest we forget.  




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