The day to salute and remember those who sacrificed for Canada’s freedom is approaching and will feature two events in Delta.
In South Delta, the parade will begin in front of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 61, in Ladner Village.
The procession will march to Memorial Park cenotaph for services there. The parade will start at about 10:40 and conclude at about 11:20 a.m., followed by laying of wreaths.
Rob Gardener, sergeant at arms with the Ladner Legion, said that Delta Mayor George Harvie will be there and is fairly certain that South Delta MLA Ian Paton will attend, although it hasn’t been confirmed if MP Carla Qualtrough will be there. The Delta Police Pipe Band will also march in the procession.
He added that the weather and the amount of the turnout can affect timing of the event.
Veterans, cadets, firefighters, paramedics and youth and community groups will all attend.
For those curious about the meaning of parts of the Remembrance Day ceremony, the legion explains that The Last Post signifies the calling home of the spirits of the fallen to rest. Then, at 11 a.m., two minutes of silence follows for Canadians to collectively honour, thank and remember those who have fallen.
The silence is followed by a bugler playing the Rouse, which symbolically wakes the fallen in order for them to rest in peace.
Remembrance Day ceremonies also include the bagpipes playing The Lament, which symbolizes the sounds of spouses and children crying over their dead.
The ceremony then concludes with the reciting of the Act of Remembrance after which participants march back to the legion.
Members of the Tsawwassen Legion participate in the ceremonies in Ladner but also have their own ceremony in the afternoon at their branch in Tsawwassen.
The City of Delta is organizing a Remembrance Day ceremony, Nov. 11, at the North Delta Social Heart Plaza, at 11415 84th Ave., in partnership with the Kennedy Seniors Society.
The proceedings begin at 10:40 a.m. and run until 12 p.m., with the focus on 11 a.m. That is the time when fighting ceased in 1918, in the First World War, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of the year.
After the event, refreshments will follow in the main hall of the North Delta Recreation Centre.
