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Advertising Deadline for the Virden Empire-Advance is Tuesday at Noon

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Friday, Nov 13, 2026

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Cutline: From L-R. Comrades Marc Savy, John Davidson, Curtis Smith, Linda Smith, pin recipient Leo Gabrielle, and Rev’d Marcel Archambault stand together post Remembrance Day service at The Sherwood Nursing Home.

 Virden Legion Honours 60-Year Member and Reflects on Sacrifice at Early Remembrance Service

By Lauren Halowaty

    On November 9, 2026, a solemn and beautiful Remembrance Day service, titled "The Act of Remembrance for Residents of the Sherwood and Westman Nursing Homes”, was held at the Sherwood Care Home, organized by The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 8 in Virden, Manitoba. 

Officiated by The Rev’d Marcel Archambault alongside Comrade in Charge Marc Savy, the service was also attended by Comrades Curtis Smith and his wife Comrade Linda Smith, as well as Comrade John Davidson. Together, they gathered to honour and remember those who served. 

    The order of service opened with "O Canada," followed by greeting and opening prayers ending in the Lord's Prayer, and the hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy". A scripture reading from John 15:12–13 led into the traditional observance featuring The Last Post played on trumpet by Michelle Gervin, followed by Silence, Reveille, and The Act of Remembrance. 

      The service recognized and honoured Leo Gabrielle, who was presented with a badge in recognition of his 60 years as an Ordinary Legion Member. Following the service, Leo stood up to share a poignant personal memory: he spoke of a friend he lost in the war, someone he thinks about often, especially at this time of year, mentioning that no one ever found out what happened to him, only that he never came home. 

Rev’d Marcel Archambault offered a deeply moving reflection during his address. He noted that while we often speak broadly of remembering "them," true remembrance happens when we attach a specific name and face. Personalizing "them" makes the hardship, loss, and pain so raw and real that, even though decades have passed, it can still feel like yesterday. 

    In addition to remembering all who fought and served, Rev’d Archambault paused to pay tribute to Comrade Andy Nash, President of Legion Branch 8, who had passed away just a few days prior to the service. 

    The program concluded with the singing of the hymn "Abide with Me," a standing of "God Save the King," and the final Blessing and Dismissal by Rev’d Archambault. 

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