It’s important to reflect each November 11th and remember those young men and women who gave their lives on behalf of their country. As time moves on, it’s important that our memories of what happened and our commitment to end conflict both remain with us into the future.
With the 100th anniversary of the Armistice Day, it’s important to remember the Yukon’s rich tradition of service and contribution to World War I (WWI). Diane Baumgartner, secretary-treasurer of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1, in Dawson City, pointed out that Michael Gates’ book, From the Klondike to Berlin, shared details of the massive support from the Yukon at that time. His research showed that out of a total population of four to five thousand in the territory, almost 1,000 enlisted. And the territory donated a per capita rate of $12 per person, compared to $1 per person in the rest of the country. This support all came through Dawson City, the Yukon capital at the time.
“This is a special Remembrance Day for Branch 1, Dawson Legion,” Baumgartner said in an email. “We will remember them.”
She also shared that there are additional activities planned in Dawson, this year, to commemorate the anniversary, including Rangers and Youth Rangers presenting a flag to the gravesite of each WWI veteran buried in the town, as well as bells tolling 100 times across Canada, at sunset, which will be 4:30 p.m. in Dawson. (A full list can be found listed in the community inset.)
While many won’t attend the ceremonies, when the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month passes, on Sunday, please take a moment to reflect on the young men and women who, decades ago, gave their lives in a conflict that forever changed the world as we know it.
Lest we forget.
Community Remembrance Day Schedules
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. –Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae
Dawson City
Robert Service School Gym
10:30 a.m. – Assemble
10:50 a.m. – Start of ceremony
11:00 a.m. – Two minutes of silence
10:50 a.m. – End of ceremony
Immediately Following – Wreaths to be placed at Cenotaph
Immediately Following – Reception at Dawson City Museum
4:30 p.m. – Bells
Faro
Recreation Centre
10:20 a.m. – Doors open
10:40 a.m. – Start of ceremony
11:00 a.m. – Two minutes of silence
11:15 – 1 p.m. – Community potluck lunch
Haines Junction
St. Elias Convention Centre
10:30 a.m – Start of ceremony
11:00 a.m. – Two minutes of silence
Mayo
Mayo Community Hall
10:30 a.m. – Start of ceremony
Teslin
Village of Teslin Office
10:30 a.m. – Start of ceremony
11:00 a.m. – Two minutes of silence
Teslin Recreation Centre
Immediately Following – Community potluck lunch
Watson Lake
Recreation Centre
10:30 a.m. – Doors open
10:45 a.m. – Start of ceremony
11:00 a.m. – Two minutes of silence
Bells of Peace -– Dawson Events
- Research at the Dawson Museum, the Yukon Genealogies & Military Records website, and locating the graves of WWI veterans buried in Dawson
- Research at the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Heritage office for oral history and research files
- Present the Canadian Flag at the grave of each WWI veteran
- Focus on the concepts of Remembrance and learning through educational material provided by Veterans Affairs for Veterans Week, November 5–11
- Participate in a Commemorative Expedition up the Dempster to Mount Boyle
- Create annual Remembrance Day posters for judging and prizes
- Tolling the Bells on November 11th at sunset, 100 times, in memory of Armistice Day, November 11th, 1918
- Building a commemorative bench during the winter to place in the Cenotaph Park, in the spring of 2019, in memory of all WWI veterans
For more information, contact Diane at 867-993-2423.
