Hundreds of men, women and children came out for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony in Weyburn, many getting a chance to hear a small piece of local history. After the traditional outdoor wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, dignitaries, veterans, and members of the community gathered in the Royal Canadian Legion for a special presentation in honour of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1.

Jerry Coubrough of Bengough read a 100-year-old letter home from France he recently discovered, which was written by one of his uncles, John Coubrough, who died in World War 1. 

"Four brothers off to war - Simon, John, Delbert and Arthur - two came home and two remained, buried in the ground," Coubrough, who is the son of Delbert, shared with the full audience.

The letter, written on July 10, 1917, shares John's experience carrying his brother Simon to safety after he was wounded in battle. Unfortunately, Simon eventually succumbed to his wounds, passing away on May 2, 1917 at the age of 21.

"The part that brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat was when John carried his brother in the trenches. Most likely, he held him close and comforted him, believing that his brother would make it and not knowing for some time via letter from home that he had lost his brother in arms and of blood," shared Coubrough.

Jerry Coubrough read a 100-year-old letter home at the Legion Sunday, written by his uncle John, who died in WW1.

Simon and John joined the war effort in Weyburn, training and fighting together as members of the 5th Battalion. The brothers fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 9 to 12, 1917.

"John celebrated his 23rd birthday, April 11th, at the Battle of Vimy. Not a pleasant place to be on your birthday, or any other day."

John died on August 8, 1918 at the age of 24, just four months before the end of the war.

Listen to Jerry Coubrough read the full letter:

The ceremony also included prayers by Chaplain Marjorie McLeod, an address by guest speaker Pastor Tim MacKinnon, and the introduction of war mother Susan Mailhiot. Greetings were delivered from the Government of Canada by Yvonne Jones on behalf of MP Robert Kitchen, from the province by MLA Dustin Duncan, and from the City by Mayor Marcel Roy. The Variations Choir performed at the event, led by Colleen Weimer.