Lest we forget.

Those three words come to life on November 11 each year in communities across southern Alberta as people gather to honour those who've fought and died in the service of our country.

Malcolm Hughes, Chairman of the Okotoks Branch 291 of the Royal Canadian Legion says the day may be sad but it's important to remember the brave men and women who fought for us.

"First and foremost I think its the 117,000 Canadian men and women who gave their lives in the search for freedom for those who had lost it....its pretty painful but at the same time it's a time of recognizing that I am here because a lot of other people are not here."

Hughes says the attendance over the years has made him proud as both a legion member and a Canadian.

``Its very heart warming to see the turnouts at Remembrance Day ceremonies now. We sit with the poppies and its so good to see people dig down and put money into our boxes, and make donations and it's been absolutely marvelous again this year."

In High River a march will be held from the Legion to the Highwood Memorial Centre starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by services.

For the second year in a row Okotoks has moved its services to the Centennial Arena to accommodate the large crowds. Doors open at 9 a.m. with the remembrance at 10:15 a.m..

Ceremonies will also be held at the Cenotaph in Nanton and the CRC in Vulcan starting at 10:45 a.m..

In Claresholm services will start at 10:30 a.m. at the Claresholm Community Centre followed by a get together at the Legion.

Karen Peters of the Okotoks and District Historical society will also be guiding a tour of the Field of Honor at the Okotoks cemetery.

The tour provides stories of the brave men and women who served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

It is free to the public and starts at 2 p.m. on November 11th.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com