Residents of Vernon, British Columbia, gathered in large numbers at the city’s main arena to observe Remembrance Day for the first time since 2019.
The past two years have seen significantly scaled-back outdoor events as a result of the pandemic.
The sheer number of people was very unexpected. Ret. Maj. Jake Flanders, the event’s organizer, said, “There were so many people there.
“It was really good to see so many citizens of Vernon come to Kal Tire place today. It’s not so much about the ceremony itself, it’s (about) paying respect to all those fallen soldiers.”
It was an opportunity to remember and honor, just like it is on every Remembrance Day.
This year, there was also a feeling of thanksgiving for everyone’s ability to physically assemble and pay respects.
Bill Balcaen, the president of the Vernon Legion, said, “This is wonderful for the veterans as well as everyone in the community because it has been difficult for the past two years and we’ve been constrained.”
Since the last time a large-scale commemoration was feasible, according to Balcaen, some veterans have passed away.
Waaga added that it was “wonderful” that a sizable in-person event was returning.
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This is sorely missed by the troops.
Due to the pandemic last year, we held a small ceremony inside our armory, but it is wonderful to be able to return to the communities we serve, said Waaga.
After a pandemic hiatus, Vernon, British Columbia’s elaborate Remembrance Day ceremony returns.
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