COVID-19 may have cancelled the official ceremony, but that didn't stop Prince George residents from recognizing the brave people that fought for our nation and its allies.
Today (Nov. 11), the local Royal Canadian Legion held a virtual Remembrance Day ceremony at the city hall Cenotaph in the continuing the tradition of honouring veterans and those that lost their lives as the world remains in an ongoing battle for freedom and equality.
Members of Branch #43 welcomed officials and dignitaries who laid a total of 13 wreaths around the Cenotaph:
- Silver Cross Mothers (x3)
- Canada - Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty
- Province of BC - Prince George-Valemount MLA-elect Shirley Bond
- Lheidli T’enneh First Nation - Councillor Clarence John
- Regional District of Fraser-Fort George - Art Kaehn
- City of Prince George - Mayor Lyn Hall
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43 - Margret Goings
- Canadian Armed Forces - Rocky Mountain Rangers
- RCMP - Supt. Shaun Wright
- Prince George Fire Rescue - Firefighter Dallas Smith
- Team Rubicon
Some technical difficulties aside, the ceremony's message came through loud and clear that even in times of hardship, coming together can mend emotional and mental wounds.
"In a world filled with tyranny and oppression, we gather together to celebrate the promise of justice for all," said Legion 43 chaplain Susan Scott during the virtual ceremony, who is also the daughter of two war veterans herself.
"In a world full of hunger and greed, we gather together to celebrate the promise of plenty for all. [...] Each and every veteran, living and deceased, regardless of where they served is valued by this commemoration. We gather to remember the lives sacrificed in the service of our country and those traumatized and injured in conflict, whose suffering continues. Grant us such a devotion to justice and freedom that the heroism of all who fought, and still fight, may continue to be remembered in a nation of service and a world of peace."
You can rewatch the virtual ceremony here or in the video below.
"We would like to acknowledge our Armed Forces Veterans, RCMP Veterans, Cadet Corps, local service clubs and the community that will not be able to attend this important event in person during this challenging time," Prince George Legion #43 President Margret Goings said in an earlier release about the ceremony.
Following the commemoration, residents laid down their own poppies in displaying what service and remembrance mean to them.
Members of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation also drummed a song in honour of all people who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield.
.@WesWesYall77, a Gitxsan Nation member, leads a drum session in front of the Prince George Cenotaph in honouring those who sacrificed & a prayer for the families whose children’s lives were lost in the fight for freedom | #CityOfPG #CanadaRemembers pic.twitter.com/ZMPEHO2AXu
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) November 11, 2020
Other residents and organizations decided to remember from a distance, sharing photos and moments across social media.
Thank you @PGLegion and their team of partners for making Remembrance Day accessible so that while we’re apart we can remember together. #LestWeForget pic.twitter.com/Mg9Zq3haHA
— Cori Ramsay (@CorRams) November 11, 2020
