This year's Remembrance Day on November 11 holds special significance as it marks eighty years and one month since the Second World War concluded with Japan's formal surrender. Communities throughout British Columbia's Lower Mainland will gather to honour this moment and all who served Canada in times of conflict.
Honouring a Fading Generation
Fewer than 5,000 Second World War veterans remain in British Columbia, their numbers steadily declining. This year's ceremonies carry added weight as we approach the time when these heroes, like their First World War counterparts, will exist only in memory. The passage of time makes our commitment to remember more crucial than ever.
Vancouver Ceremonies: Tradition and Diversity
Victory Square at 200 West Hastings Street will host Vancouver's longest-running Remembrance Day ceremony, now in its 101st year. The service begins at 10:30 a.m. with musical performances, prayers, and speeches, followed by the traditional two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. The event continues with wreath-laying and concludes with a parade.
Later at 12:30 p.m., Chinatown Memorial Square at 105 Keefer Street will hold a ceremony organized by ANAVET Pacific Unit 180 and the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society.
Stanley Park's Japanese Canadian War Memorial hosts another significant service at 10:30 a.m., recognizing Japanese-Canadians who fought for Canada in the First World War and Korean War. A reception with light refreshments follows at the Vancouver Rowing Club.
The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada welcome the public to Seaforth Armoury at 1650 Burrard Street, with doors opening at 10 a.m. and the service beginning at 10:50 a.m.
The University of British Columbia continues its tradition at the War Memorial Gym (6081 University Boulevard) with a ceremony starting at 10:45 a.m. This event has occurred annually since the gym opened in 1951.
North Vancouver and Regional Commemorations
The District of North Vancouver's primary ceremony takes place at Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen, located at 4141 Dollarton Highway south of Deep Cove. The 10:30 a.m. service welcomes attendees arriving by land and those observing from watercraft off Roche Point.
From Abbotsford to Squamish, municipalities across the Lower Mainland have organized Remembrance Day events where communities can gather to honour veterans and all who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Canada.
