The Royal Canadian Legion South Burnaby Branch 83 is preparing to host its largest Remembrance day ceremony in three years. The South Burnaby Legion estimates upwards of 200 people will be in attendance at the cenotaph in Bonsor Park on Friday at 10:45am.
“It’s quite exciting because it’s our first since COVID and we can all get together and remember our veterans, ” said Legion Branch 83 president Steve Jeske.
Originally, the day we currently know as Remembrance Day was called Armistice Day, which marks the end of hostilities during the First World War. In 1931, the day was officially named Remembrance Day, to be observed on November 11 each year.https://t.co/rp2XFqQ1r0
— The Royal Canadian Legion (@RoyalCdnLegion) November 10, 2022
The Remembrance Day event starts at 10:30am with a parade from the Burnaby Fire Station #3. The parade then marches to the cenotaph on the corner of Imperial and Nelson. It features hundreds of uniformed participants including a pipe band and a cadet orchestra. A two minute moment of silence will be held at the cenotaph to remember and honour the veterans of the past, as well as those currently serving.
“[I]t’s a thank you for those that sacrificed so much to help us be a free country and to give us the lifestyle that we have,” said Jeske.
The ceremony at the cenotaph is expected to wrap up around 11:45. The South Burnaby Legion invites the public for an afternoon of snacks and beverages with live rockin’ music from Alex Whittaker and Ray O’Toole.
Two meat draws are also planned for the afternoon with all proceeds going to local non-profits who Jeske says don’t receive the mainstream funding that larger organizations benefit from.
“[T]here’s a lot of small organizations that do a great job helping our community, helping our seniors, helping our [sports leagues], and helping our students that just can’t get that mainstream funding. That’s where we step in.”
The funds from the meat draws go back into the community to help fund groups like the 76th Scouts and other non-profit organizations.
He also notes that every penny from the poppy trays scattered throughout South Burnaby goes straight back to help veterans and veteran projects such as the soon-to-be-opened rehab center for brain injury and PTSD research.
“We’re here to help our veterans and the community. Your donation changes people’s lives,”
At the end of the day Jeske wants you to know that The Legion isn’t just here on Remembrance Day – it’s here year round and is ready to help out in any way it can.