Communities Unite for Remembrance Day Ceremonies Across Vancouver Island

On November 11, communities throughout Vancouver Island will come together to commemorate the sacrifices made by Canada’s veterans. This annual event, known as Remembrance Day, honors those who served the nation in various conflicts, including the First and Second World Wars. From 1914 to 1918, over 650,000 Canadians participated in the First World War, with more than 66,000 losing their lives. In World War II, approximately 1.15 million Canadians served, resulting in over 44,000 fatalities.

To facilitate remembrance, the Government of Canada has established an online database allowing individuals to search for the service records of relatives who fought in historical conflicts. This database includes comprehensive details such as dental and medical records. For more information, individuals can visit Canada.ca.

Details of Ceremonies Across Vancouver Island

A range of ceremonies will take place on Vancouver Island, each with its own unique elements. Here are key locations and times for the Remembrance Day events scheduled for Tuesday:

In Victoria, the main ceremony will occur at the B.C. Legislature Cenotaph, located at 501 Belleville Street. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and will be broadcast live on CHEK News. The ceremony includes a parade, a service, and a two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m., followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. Expect road closures in downtown Victoria, including Government Street and Belleville Street.

The Saanich Cenotaph, located at 770 Vernon Avenue, will host a ceremony from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Saanich Police Department will deploy a temporary camera for public safety, ensuring a respectful atmosphere during the event. Inspector Damian Kowalewich emphasized the importance of monitoring to enhance safety.

In Brentwood Bay, the ceremony will take place at HEL,HILEȻ, located at 1209 Clarke Road, from 10:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meanwhile, Sidney will hold its Remembrance Day service and parade starting at 10:45 a.m. at 2240 Beacon Avenue, concluding at 12:00 p.m.

Colwood will see a small ceremony at the Colwood Cenotaph in Garry Oak Grove, while the Sooke Legion Branch #54 will host an all-day event from 10:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Additional Events Across the Island

Other towns will also observe Remembrance Day with ceremonies. Cobble Hill will start with a service at 10:00 a.m. at Cobble Hill Hall, followed by a march to the cenotaph for an 11:00 a.m. service. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony at both the Hall and the Malahat Legion.

In Duncan, a march and ceremony will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 130 Canada Avenue, while Salt Spring Island will begin its parade at 10:45 a.m. from Centennial Park, culminating in a wreath-laying ceremony at noon.

The Nanaimo ceremony will take place at Dallas Square Cenotaph on 85 Front Street at 11:00 a.m. In Comox, the Royal Canadian Legion Comox Branch #160 will host a ceremony starting with a parade at 10:30 a.m., featuring wreath-laying and a flypast.

Lastly, Tofino’s ceremony begins with a parade from the Fire Hall at 10:45 a.m., followed by a service at the Tofino Legion at 11:00 a.m. A light lunch will be provided after the service, with the bar open during the event.

As communities across Vancouver Island prepare to honor their veterans, the collective remembrance serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and peace.