Nanaimo Coun. Ian Thorpe, wearing his Royal Canadian Legion blazer, was the master of ceremonies for the memorial.
“This year marks 80 years since the end of World War Two and 107 years since the armistice that marked the end of World War one back in 1918,” Thorpe said.
“Today is all about our veterans, and in past years, we have always acknowledged a very special veteran — Mr. Victor Osborne, who was born on the 11th day of the 11th month in the year of the armistice, 1918. I am sorry to say that Mr. Osborne is not with us this year, having passed away last February at the age of 106.”
The night before, cadets from the 136 Amphion, Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps and 205 Collishaw Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron stood guard in a 24-hour honour guard at the Cenotaph before being relieved by an honour guard of local soldiers and an RCMP officer.
At 11 a.m., a gun fired by the 5th (B.C.) Field Artillery Regiment of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery marked the start of two minutes of silence.
“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn at the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them,” Archdeacon Brian Evans said in a prayer of remembrance.
More than 50 organizations laid wreaths at the base of the Cenotaph, including local politicians, veterans, trade unions and service organizations.
Nanaimo’s Silver Cross Mother was Joann Walton, whose late husband John served in the military. She is also the Service Officer for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256.
After the ceremony, attendees placed their poppies on the cenotaph.
Watch the video of the ceremony by Rogers TV:
Photos by Mick Sweetman / The Discourse
(Click or tap on photos to enlarge)
