"Take two minutes, would you mind? It's a pittance of time, for the boys and the girls that went over..."

The still and somber silence that befell the West Kildonan Legion #30 was instantaneous at 11:00 a.m. With a turnout of over 300 people, the secretary for the legion, Donna Carriere says the service turnout grows every year. Carriere says, “This is the biggest crowd we’ve had for Remembrance Day so far.”

It is difficult to fathom that just moments before the clock struck 11:00 a.m. the room was filled with voices chattering about the first snowfall, old friends embracing and pipers quietly practicing their chords.

The white crisp gloves of the veterans distribute programs and poppies. The patch of the legion is proudly worn on their beret. Their duty today is ensuring the attendees are equipped with the necessities of such a service.

Seven-year old Emily sits politely with her grandfather as she attempts to enunciate words in the program while waiting for the service to begin. “Pray-er.” her grandfather says slowly. “We will be having a prayer.”

Emily is accustomed to attending Remembrance Day services and says, “I’m here to remember the people who died in the war.”

As the service begins, the president of the legion Larry Kisiloski welcomes and expresses thanks to all who came to take part in the act of remembrance. O’Canada is sung a cappella by all in attendance, before Reverend Simon Blaikie continues with prayers and scripture readings. A traditional approach is taken with the service and includes songs and poems such as In Flanders Field.

The West Kildonan Legion #30 has been around for 113 years. “Remembrance Day services have been held here ever since World War I.” says Kisiloski. This year marks 91 Remembrance Day services the legion has held.

With a light lunch served post-service, family and friends mingle while they remember. The room begins to fill with the exuberant sound of bagpipes as pipers dressed in Scottish tartan, enter the main floor. The clapping of the crowd begins to match the beat of the pipers for a set. The clapping then ceases for Amazing Grace, where everyone simply listens intently to the beautiful melody and the familiar sound of Remembrance Day.