Lest We Forget: Bonnyville Gathers to Honour Canada’s Veterans

Community pays tribute to service and sacrifice on Remembrance Day

Residents of Bonnyville came together on November 11 to honour the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—Canada with courage and devotion.

The day began at the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre with a solemn Remembrance Day service that featured the March on the Colours, the Last Post, two minutes of silence, and Rouse. The Bonnyville Singers performed throughout the ceremony, setting a reflective and heartfelt tone for the morning.

This year’s service carried special significance as 102-year-old Second World War veteran William McGregor, who served as a medic with the 11th Field Ambulance, laid the symbolic wreath. McGregor’s remarkable life of service includes helping rescue civilians in Belgium during the war, returning home to Bonnyville to serve his community, and receiving several honours, including the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and the French Légion d’honneur for his role in the liberation of France.

Following the ceremony at the C2, the community gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 183 for the second phase of the day’s observances, where the majority of wreaths were laid in memory of Canada’s fallen. Among those participating was Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Province of Alberta.

Throughout the afternoon, residents reflected on the legacy of those who gave their lives and those who returned home forever changed. As evening fell, many continued the remembrance at the candlelight ceremony at the lakeshore cenotaph—honouring the promise to remember them “at the going down of the sun, and in the morning.”

The ceremonies were organized by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 183, supported by local cadets, the Bonnyville Singers, and many community volunteers. Past President Bob McRae led the events with dignity and care, ensuring the day’s tributes upheld the legacy of Canada’s veterans.

Across Bonnyville, remembrance was more than a moment of silence—it was a day of unity, reflection, and gratitude.

Lest we forget.