Thursday November 11, 2021 | VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC [Updated with more photos, Nov 12, 2021]
by Mary P Brooke, Editor | Island Social Trends
For some legions and municipalities, it’s about getting back to the routine of having an annual gathering and ceremony for Remembrance Day on November 11 — indeed, lest we forget. | Events page
For others, the top priority is public safety during the continuing COVID pandemic, and for those the recommended approach is to maintain social distancing by watching Remembrance Day ceremonies online.
If you plan to attend an event, please respect the regional guidelines, says the BC Centre for Disease Control. They remind people to always practice safe social interactions. That includes wearing a mask in all indoor settings. For outdoor organized seated gatherings there can be a capacity of 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.
Everyone is still expected to observe a two-minute period of silence at 11 am on this day of remembering the sacrifices of those who fought in the many wars that have been waged in the effort to protect freedom. Many Canadian soldiers died, and many others returned home injured on the inside and out. Some of those distresses have been passed on, generation to generation.
Official messages about Remembrance Day have been issued today by the Governor General, Prime Minister, Premier of BC, and federal NDP Leader. Those messages are posted in full, here:
Governor General Mary Simon:
“On Remembrance Day, our thoughts turn to Canadian veterans who fought for our freedom and values. Who served far from home, in peacekeeping missions and in horrific wars. Who came home, never the same, or never came home at all. We remember their families and loved ones. And we honour the long history and sacrifice of Indigenous peoples in uniform, some of whom would never again see their ancestral land.
Throughout history, members of the Canadian Armed Forces have served on land, sea and in the air. They did so knowing that their contributions made a difference.
We honour their legacies.
This year, we mark several anniversaries: the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong, during the Korean War; the 15th anniversary of the first Canadian woman to die in combat, Captain Nichola Goddard; and the 100th anniversary of the poppy symbol, which we have worn every Remembrance Day since 1921.
It is important to learn about the stories of soldiers, past and present. Though some stories may be hard to hear, it is our responsibility to bear witness. Our hope is that by recalling past sacrifices, we can look to a peaceful future. It is up to all of us. It is in our hands. It is our duty to keep the memory alive.
I would like to thank all Canadians who have taken it upon themselves to lead in remembrance, particularly young Canadians. As governor general and commander-in-chief, my thoughts are with all veterans and active military members—anyone who has worn a uniform in defence of Canada.
Lest we forget.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
“Today, we honour the women and men who served, and continue to serve our country, in times of war, conflict, and peace. We pause to remember their brave sacrifices, and acknowledge a debt we can never repay. We pay tribute to those who have lost their lives, and those who have been physically or mentally scarred by their service, as well as their family members and loved ones.
“More than 2.3 million Canadians have served in uniform since Confederation, and more than 120,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. Thanks to their selflessness, dedication, and bravery, members of our military and police have been defending freedom, peace, and democracy – the values that we cherish deeply within our hearts. Canadians have also participated in international peacekeeping operations, during which approximately 130 gave their lives, and other military missions to protect the rights of others around the world, and our way of life – these heroes embody the very best of what it means to be Canadian.
“This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Remembrance Poppy in Canada. John McCrae’s poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ had inspired Madame Anna Guérin of France to adopt the distribution of the poppy on the anniversary of the Armistice agreement, which ended the First World War in 1918. This was her way to honour the war dead, and to help raise support funds for those who had been impacted by the conflict. In July 1921, the Great War Veterans’ Association – the precursor to the Royal Canadian Legion – adopted the poppy as the flower of Remembrance. One hundred years later, Anna Guérin’s vision lives on – the poppy still honours its pledge as an unmistakable symbol of Remembrance.
“The past year and a half has made life more difficult for many veterans. That is why, last year, the Government of Canada invested $20 million to create the Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund, which helped over 40 organizations across the country support the well-being of veterans and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we continue to keep each other and our communities safe from COVID-19, I invite all Canadians to watch the national ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, which is being livestreamed on Facebook today. I also encourage everyone to visit online resources to learn about Remembrance Day, stories of our fallen, and all the sacrifices they have made for Canadians and people around the world.
“Today, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will observe two minutes of silence to pay tribute to all who have fallen. We will be wearing red poppies close to our hearts, solemnly reflecting, and thinking about those who served so courageously to keep us safe, and gave their lives in service of a better Canada – they have our respect, thanks, and heartfelt gratitude.
“Lest we forget.”
BC Premier John Horgan:
“On Remembrance Day, we honour the sacrifices made by generations of Canadians who served on the battlefield and the families they left behind. We also recognize those who returned home, forever changed by the horrors of war.
“British Columbians will mark this important day with virtual and in-person ceremonies at the local cenotaph. We stand alongside veterans, armed forces members and merchant marines to honour those who risked their lives to protect ours and build a more peaceful world.
“The best way we can honour their sacrifice is by doing everything we can to keep ourselves and others safe.
“Lest we forget.”
Archive links: Premier John Horgan at the 2019 Remembrance Day ceremony in Langford, BC | Premier John Horgan’s 2020 Remembrance Day statement
George Heyman, Environment & Climate Change Minister:
“Today we pay tribute to so many who made immense sacrifice in serving our country. I am thinking of those who’ve returned with life-wrenching memories and the unhealed scars that remain with them and change their lives. We owe them respect, support and care.” [As posted on Twitter]
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh:
“Today, we honour those who dedicated their lives in service for Canadians. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces have always played an important role here at home and internationally. They are there to support others, whether they’re called on to care for seniors living in long term care homes during the worst of the pandemic, or making invaluable contributions to help in global crises.
We remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and those who were forever changed by their experiences.
We need to make sure Canada’s veterans and their families are well supported. For too long, the government has not met the needs of veterans and it shows in the rise of homelessness and mental health challenges among those who have served their country. Veterans deserve more than empty promises. Alongside our Critic for Veterans, Rachel Blaney, New Democrats will continue to listen to and advocate for the needs of all of those who served.
We’ll always remember their selfless courage and the high price of war, today and every day.
Lest we forget.”
Alistair MacGregor, MP (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford):
Alistair MacGregor, MP (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford) attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in Duncan, BC.
Randall Garrison, MP (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke):
“Honouring those who served and the sacrifices they made today and tomorrow continuing to work to ensure that our gratitude extends to making sure no veteran is left behind.” [As posted on Twitter]
Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni):
“Honoured to lay a wreath at the cenotaph in Tofino at 11 am this morning to remember the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of our country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.” [As posted on Twitter]
Island Health:
Today we honour the service, courage and sacrifice of Canada’s Veterans. We express our gratitude to those who have served, and continue to serve this land. #LestWeForget#RemembranceDay
===== Poppy links:
Canadian Legion – poppy campaign
Share your words of Remembrance (Canadian Legion website)