Remembrance Day is Saturday. Being the son of a WW2 Veteran, this time of year gives me great pride in knowing what my father did for his country – that all veterans have done so that we can live in this great country. It also is a time that frustrates me. And the reason it frustrates me is the lack of respect veterans are due. And nothing shows apathy more – to me – than not wearing a Poppy. A Poppy is worn over the heart to show and remind the people who fought and died that they gave their service and life, so that we can be free. So is it too much to ask to you take a few days to show them some respect? I don’t want to go all Don Cherry on those who don’t wear one for I know the majority understand and respect the sacrifice they made for us. But come on, putting a few coins in a box and taking the 30 seconds to put it on shouldn’t be a problem for anyone. And don’t get me started on the low-life who steal Poppy donations – they are a special kind of scum that will have Karma hit them full force one day. Please take the time and wear a poppy. Show our veterans that what they did means much more than they will ever know.
Thanks.
Neil
Here’s where Remembrance Days will be honoured on Saturday – South of the Fraser: (Courtesy of News1130)
Abbotsford
Time: 9:30 a.m. coffee provided, parade forms at 10:30 a.m. at Garden and Simon Streets
Place: Thunderbird Square – Veterans Way (behind City Hall and next to Clearbrook Library)
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion and members of local youth cadet corps are among those who will participate in the ceremony, which includes a parade and laying of the wreaths. Two minutes of silence are observed at 11 a.m. You are asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m.
Aldergrove
Time: 10:25 a.m.
A parade, Remembrance Day ceremony, and afternoon entertainment will honour veterans in Aldergrove at Legion Branch 265. The parade leaves the Salvation Army thrift store parking lot at 3110 272nd St. at 10:25 a.m. and proceeds to Fraser Highway before turning west towards the Legion. The ceremony at the cenotaph will include wreath laying, a service, and a “fly-past” by the Fraser Blues out of the Langley Airport. Following the ceremony, the public is invited into the Legion for a potluck luncheon and music.
Delta – North
Time: 10:40 a.m.
Place: North Delta Recreation Centre
(Hosted by Kennedy House Seniors Society)
Delta – Ladner
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Royal Canadian Legion Delta Branch 61 (4896 Delta St)
The parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. from the Legion at 4896 Delta Street and travel to the Cenotaph at Ladner Memorial Park for a 10:45 a.m. ceremony. After the ceremony, veterans and adults are invited to attend the Legion.
Delta – Tsawwassen
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Place: Century Square – #22 – 1835 56th Street
Special appearance by the Delta Police Pipe Band. There will also be light refreshments after the ceremony.
Langley
Time: 10:25 a.m.
Place: Langley Legion Branch #21 – 20570 56th Avenue
The parade begins at 10:25 a.m. at the Langley Legion at 20570 56th Ave. From the Legion, the parade proceeds to Douglas Park. The public may take part in the walking parade, or they can assemble in the park to see the parade arrive. The service in Douglas Park will be at the new cenotaph site at approximately 11 a.m.
Langley – Fort Langley
Place: Gardens are located across from the St. Andrews Cemetery – 23105 St. Glover Road
The public is invited to walk through the garden and to light a candle or plant some poppy seeds in remembrance of our fallen and in honour of those who continue to serve Canada in the military throughout the world. The planned display includes some artwork by Brookswood artist, Julie Bourne, who crafts ceramic poppy sculptures.
New Westminster
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: The Royal Westminster Regiment, Armouries and at Queens Avenue United Church
Participants are asked to assemble at either location by 9:30 a.m. The doors to the Armouries will be closed at 9:45 a.m. Both sites are wheelchair and stroller friendly and both sites accept those people wishing to attend with their sight assistant dogs. The memorial address will be delivered by Brigadier-General R.R.E. MacKenzie, CD. Following the ceremonies in the Armouries, there will be a parade to the Cenotaph at the front of City Hall where the two minutes of silence will be observed at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by the wreath laying ceremony and the march past on Royal Avenue.
Surrey/Cloverdale
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Place: Cloverdale Cenotaph at the Surrey Museum – 17710 56A Avenue
A ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Cloverdale Cenotaph next door to the Surrey Museum and the Surrey Archives. After the ceremony, there will be family-friendly events at the Surrey Museum, including crafts, thank-you notes to veterans and their families and refreshments.
Surrey – Crescent Beach
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: The Legion hall at 2643 128th Street
Service is followed by a laying of wreaths and a fly past. Joining the ceremony will be a colour party of sea, army, air cadets and the RCMP.
Surrey – Whalley
Time: 10:25 a.m.
Place: Whalley Legion, 13525 – 106 Avenue
Parade assembly is at 10 a.m. with a march to the Cenotaph commencing at 10:25 a.m.
Refreshments and snacks for the public and youth following the service. The Branch Lounge will be open following the service for members and guests.
White Rock
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: White Rock cenotaph
The parade will start at 9:30 a.m., followed by laying of wreaths at 11 a.m.