Hundreds of community members – including seniors, youths and families with young children – came together in New Westminster for Remembrance Day.
As the official Remembrance Day procession began its march down Sixth Street from the Royal Westminster Regiment, the sun emerged from behind clouds.
The ceremony, held in front of New Westminster City Hall, included the laying of wreaths on the cenotaph, the singing of O Canada and God Save the king, the reading of In Flanders Fields, and a memorial address.
“We gather today to celebrate and commemorate the incredible bravery and strength of those who served, and those who continue to serve,” said Major Michael Hughes, commanding officer of the Canadian Forces recruiting centre. “We recognize the incredible sacrifices made by our military members throughout Canada's history, through wars, conflicts, and humanitarian efforts. As a nation, we're incredibly proud of the achievements of our veterans. And we both mourn and celebrate them today.”
Hughes, a 21-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who has been involved in operations around the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan and North Africa, said “veteran” is a title referring to anyone who has served, and does not relate to specific times or conflicts in military history.
“Whether you are wearing the bright blue of the United Nations, or the bright orange of our search and rescue; whether your service was in Europe 80 years ago or in Europe today; in some far off land or inside our borders; whether you 85 or 25, if you have served bravely and honourably in the military service of our great nation, you have earned the proud title of veteran. And we thank you. To those who fell in battle in service to our country, we doubly honour you,” he said as five planes passed overhead. “We also send our gratitude to the families of our veterans. When a soldier, sailor or aviator serves, their families serves alongside them. Too many now spend Remembrance Day with only the memories of their loved ones.”
Hughes thanked veterans for their service – those in the crowd, those who served in the past and those who have passed.
“Let us look to the future – a future our veterans and our people deserve,” he said. “The Canada of today draws from the strength of our people’s diverse backgrounds and diverse personal beliefs. We celebrate our Indigenous cultures, and the cultures brought to this land from across the globe. Let us strive for a society in a world where conflicts are resolved through diplomacy and understanding, a world where past and current sacrifices of our veterans and their families serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace.”
Mayor Patrick Johnstone said Remembrance Day is a time for coming together and commemorating those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others and preserving human rights and democracy, here and abroad.
“These observances do not aim to glorify war but rather to honour the sacrifices of those who selflessly answered the call of duty to serve their country,” he said.
Johnstone said Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of the need to support veterans, to work for peace, and to ensure that lessons in history are not forgotten as we seek to build a better world for all.
At Saturday’s Remembrance Day service, Johnstone acknowledged the role of the Royal Westminster Regiment – a permeant fixture in New Westminster’s history.
"May we never forget the sacrifices of those who came before us and those continue to defend and protect us, today and in the future,” he said. “On behalf of the City of New Westminster, we deeply thank all Canadians who served and serve today. We thank you. We will never forget. We will remember."
Earlier in the week, the city placed a cedar wreath on the cenotaph in front of city hall in honour of Indigenous Veterans Day, which is on Nov. 8. For the first time ever, Kwantlen First Nation representatives attended city’s Nov. 11 service and provided a welcome song for the hundreds gathered at city hall.
