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 Several Sir Alexander Mackenzie school students took turns reading passages for Remembrance Day. Fred Church, zone commander of the Inuvik Legion, at podium, addressed the students. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo |
Hundreds of people filled the Sir Alexander Mackenzie school gym to pay their respects.
A large cenotaph surrounded by poppy-filled wreaths sat at the front of the room, flanked by two RCMP officers, a Canadian Ranger and a Legion member.
Fred Church, zone commander at the Inuvik Legion McInnes Branch 220, addressed the crowd.
"We are not immune from the horrific efforts of terrorism," Church said.
"It is through apathy and ill-educated belief these things could not happen here.
"Peace cannot be kept by force alone," he said, adding citizens should remember the 116,000 who already died "in pursuit of peace and freedom."
Numerous dignitaries laid wreaths during the service, including Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland, Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson and Inuvik Native Band Chief Richard Nerysoo.
Representatives from the RCMP, the Legion and ladies' auxiliary, the Inuvik fire department and firefighters association, Lion's Club, the Masonic Lodge, all schools, Scouts Canada, Girl Guides and Sparks, Beavers, Brownies and Cubs, the Inuvik Ranger Patrol, MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew and Department of National Defence also presented wreaths at the cenotaph.
Also during the service, a wreath from the city of Alkmaar in the Netherlands was presented to express continued gratitude for Canadian efforts to Holland during the Second World War.
After the service at the school, a brief, quiet service was held at the Inuvik Cemetery where several wreaths were also laid in memory.
Elizabeth Hansen, originally of Aklavik, attended the morning service.
She recalled the many navy officers stationed there who marched a long distance to attend the Nov. 11 service each year. "It always seemed to turn out cold for them," she said.
Sandy Hansen said it is important to remember each year. "We appreciate the freedoms we have," she said.
Earlier in the week, a service was held at the Samuel Hearne secondary school, where about 300 students heard readings by students as well as a musical selection by the school band.
