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Yesterday, after the service had ended, one Swift Current man laid something unique at the stone steps of the Cenotaph.
Pat O'Connell, the owner-operator of Iron Man Welding, left behind a steel silhouette of a WWI soldier standing over a grave and poppies, which he carved himself from an old road closed sign.
"It's what I do for a living, making stuff," said O'Connell. "I just had that piece of aluminum and thought it would be appropriate."
After the wreaths were all laid, people were placing their poppies in and amongst them in honour of the fallen. O'Connell's work not only included four poppies, but his Royal Canadian Regiment Badge that he earned between 1980 and 1984.
O'Connell served in the Canadian Armed Forces in East Germany, during the Cold War. For him, utilizing it in this way was fitting for the medal.
He was glad to have presented his unique piece for the poppies, which received accolades from the gathered public, Legion members, and veterans who took notice of the artwork. For him, it was about honouring what veterans accomplished and making a poppy that wouldn't wilt.
"I appreciate the sacrifice that poppies represent," said O'Connell.