As many as 6,000 people are expected at Memorial Peace Park on Monday, Nov. 11 for Remembrance Day ceremonies.
On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, and of the eleventh month, People across Canada gather to pay respects to those who have fallen, those who served, and those who are serving with our armed forces.
Starting at 10:30 a.m., there is an annual parade that begins outside the Royal Canadian Legion (at 224th Street and Brown Avenue), and the veterans organization leads a procession to the cenotaph in Memorial Peace Park. Branch 88 is one of the largest Legions in Canada, with more than 2,000 members, and supports a large event that draws 4,000 to 6,000 each year.
"It's an important day for veterans, and for the community to honour fallen soldiers," said Legion Branch 88 president Judy Ballard.
She spoke about how conflicts happening in the Middle East and Ukraine show us all that peace can never be taken for granted.
"With the uncertainty in the world today, I think Remembrance days is more important than it has been in a long time," said Ballard.
The park’s name derives from its role as the home for the memorials to the men and women who have served the armed forces both in war and in peace. The centrepiece of the park is the cenotaph that was originally located near the Maple Ridge Cemetery.
The march includes veterans, RCMP officers, the Maple Ridge Fire Department, Corrections Services, cadets and scouting organizations.
The national anthem will be sung, and the official ceremony begins at 11 a.m. It features a roll call, which lists the names of local people who died in wars, prayers, and a moment of silence. A bugler will sound the Rouse, a piper will play Lament, and there will be a reading of the poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian John McCrae.
The laying of wreaths at the cenotaph will follow, with politicians representing various levels of government, representatives of the Legion, armed forces, cadets and others paying respects.
A road closure and detour will be in place to accommodate the Remembrance Day parade and ceremony. This detour will be in effect from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please follow detour signs to avoid traffic delays, and thank you for your understanding.
City hall recommends those attending walk or use transit to get to this event. Town Centre underground parking will be available, but not all entrances will be open due to road closures and detours. The parking entrance from Edge Street, next to the ACT Arts Centre, will be open.
