Hundreds gather at Vancouver’s Victory Square for Remembrance Day
Posted November 11, 2021 12:29 pm.
Last Updated November 11, 2021 7:33 pm.
It was supposed to be an invite-only event, but that didn’t keep hundreds of people from showing up at Vancouver’s Victory Square for the Remembrance Day ceremony.
There was fencing around the area to ensure only those who were supposed to attend were inside. However, as the service got underway, members of the public moved closer and stood just outside the barrier, wearing poppies and showing their respect.
In a poignant moment of the ceremony, a white rose was laid down by World War II veteran Paul Delorme, which resonated with many families and loved ones of fallen soldiers.
Placing of White Rose by World War II veteran Paul Delorme pic.twitter.com/6MeNbJ7kAm
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) November 11, 2021
Mikah Nanson read this year’s Youth Poem, called “The Forgotten Algonquin.” In it, he honoured the sacrifices Canada’s Indigenous soldiers have made. read his poem, in which he encouraged people to honour Indigenous soldiers who were not necessarily recognized in the past.
“This poem is dedicated to all the First Nations soldiers who gave their lives so that we can all enjoy freedom. You were never truly thanked by our country, but we will never forget you, just as we will never forget every soldier who fought bravely for this great land,” he said.
Mikah Nanson read this year’s Youth Poem honouring sacrifices made by Canada’s Indigenous soldiers and veterans.
The Forgotten Algonquin pic.twitter.com/WrVpnwxztB
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) November 11, 2021
The White Cliffs of Dover was performed by a Sarabande Chamber Choir from the HMCS Discovery.
The Last Post pic.twitter.com/40394ALMEE
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) November 11, 2021
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart, B.C. Tourism Minister Melanie Mark, and former Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan were among those who were invited and attended the event.
And @kennedystewart pic.twitter.com/oG5m5ZUx69
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) November 11, 2021
Two minutes of silence were followed by the annual performance of Last Post.
The crowd of people who stood outside the fencing at Victory Square applauded as soldiers made their way out at the end of the ceremony.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the fencing at Victory Square applauding soldiers as they make their out. pic.twitter.com/863xkv0lI7
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) November 11, 2021
Thousands of people gathered in Ottawa at the National War Memorial for the country’s largest Remembrance Day ceremony.
This year marks 100 years since poppies began being worn as a widespread symbol of remembrance.
