RANKIN INLET - A large crowd came out to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom this past week in Rankin Inlet.

Warrant Officer Joe Davidson, Capt. Graham Burton and cadet Master Cpl. Adam Ussak, from left, salute after placing a wreath at the cenotaph during the Remembrance Day service in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Attendance at Rankin's Remembrance Day ceremony continues to increase every year.

The ceremony is organized by the Royal Canadian Legion's Keewatin Branch 169 in Rankin.

The event is held at the Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik gym, and is traditionally attended by members of the RCMP, Canadian Rangers, cadets, the Legion and local clergy and firefighters.

A number of municipal, territorial and federal representatives are also onhand each year to place wreaths at the cenotaph on behalf of their various departments.

Branch 169 president Paul Waye said he was pleased with this year's turnout.

He said Remembrance Day is the biggest day of the year for Legions across Canada.

"We were pleased with the way the ceremony went, although things were rushed a bit," said Waye.

"We regret not holding our annual Remembrance Day poster contest with students this year.

"This is my first year as branch president and I take responsibility for missing the boat on that one.

"I feel bad about it, because the kids always respond well to it and we've had a number of posters from Rankin, over the years, be nominated for recognition at the national level."

A levee celebration was held at Branch 169 following the ceremony for members of the Legion, military, RCMP and Rangers.

Waye said the levee provides a chance for the members to share camaraderie on an important day for the entire country.

"I think we've seen larger turnouts at the ceremony the past few years because of what's gone on in Afghanistan, Bosnia and places like that, where Canada has sent troops and suffered casualties.

"Our efforts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe have raised awareness of our role in the world and how we support these causes.

"Canada, also, is often viewed as a more noble country than some of the others involved in these conflicts.

"There's also been increased awareness in the role our Rangers play in protecting Canadian sovereignty during the past few years, and that's helped bring more people out, as well."

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