We Will Remember Them

There is much to pray for these days – the multitude of the sick, those who have died, their loved ones, the front-line essential workers in this time of pandemic – all who have been affected of the Corona virus, to the victims of gun violence in Nova Scotia.  On Sunday, the bell at St. James Anglican Church in Parkhill tolled in memory of the six members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died in the helicopter crash on April 29^th.  The soldiers were serving as part of the NATO mission patrolling the Mediterranean and Black seas. 

The following prayers from the Royal Canadian Legion were recited and the bell tolled twelve times - twice for each fallen soldier:

Almighty God, You are our refuge and strength; we humble ourselves in Your presence, and, remembering the great things You have done for us, we lift up our hearts in adoration and praise. As You have gathered us together this day, we give You thanks for all who served their country in time of trial. In remembrance of those who made the supreme sacrifice, make us better men and women, and give us peace in our time, O Lord.   

“O God, we remember before you those who laid down their lives for freedom and truth. We commend their souls into your gracious keeping and pray that we may be worthy of their sacrifice.  Help us to be faithful and true to those ideals for which they fought and died.  May we continue to perpetuate the memory of our departed comrades by our service to country, community and comrades, and remembering our solemn obligation, may we ever pray - Lord God of Hosts; Be with us yet.”  

We remember especially this day:

Capt. Kevin Hagen, Sub-Lt. Abbigail Cowbrough, Capt. Brenden Ian MacDonald, Master Cpl. Matthew Cousins, Sub-Lt. Matthew Pyke, Capt. Maxime Miron-Morin

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them.

Their journey on this earth has ended, blessings on your journey.