Hundreds of people gathered wearing red poppies in North Vancouver’s Victoria Park Monday morning to pay tribute to those who served in war.
The ceremony took place in front of the park’s cenotaph, where community members gathered with veterans, uniform personnel and government staff members such as City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan, district Mayor Mike Little and North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Bowinn Ma.
The ceremony began with acknowledging the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with reflections on how much those who served have sacrificed for Canada in the past, but also in wars today. Shortly after, a moment of silence was held at 11 a.m.
A wreath-laying ceremony followed, with organizations laying wreaths in front of the park’s centograph. Local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets laid wreaths, as well as representatives of the district and the city, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Nation Veterans Association.
The JP Fell Pipe Band marched out of the park to conclude the ceremony with RCMP, District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services and cadets following to continue the parade on Lonsdale Avenue. As veterans left, the crowd clapped to honour their service.
After the ceremony concluded, people placed their poppies next to the wreaths.
Honouring Indigenous veterans
Friday marked National Indigenous Veterans Day, which recognizes the Indigenous, Métis and Inuit community members who have made contributions and sacrifices to serve in the world wars.
The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) held the third annual ceremony at Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park Friday afternoon honouring three of their nation’s living veterans – Celina Dorame, Mike Wilson and Dennis Owens – in a blanketing ceremony.
The event aims to educate Tsleil-Waututh members, but also youth and members of the public on veterans’ service and sacrifice.
Hunas (William George-Thomas), cultural program manager for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, was the MC for the event.
Singing and drumming opened the ceremony, followed by remarks from Tsleil-Waututh Nation members and wreath laying in front of the centotaph.
MLAs across the Lower Mainland came to attend the ceremony, including Ma, Susie Chant for North Vancouver-Seymour, and Joan Phillip for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, who is a Tsleil-Waututh member.
Letters from Lena Shaw Elementary students in Surrey were also read to the veterans during the ceremony.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative. [email protected]
