Huge crowd flocks to Remembrance Day Ceremony in Nelson
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Canadians across the country, including hundreds who flocked to the Centoph at the City Hall Courtyard in Nelson, joined together Friday to remember those who sacrificed much more than personal comfort for the way of life today at Remembrance Day Ceremonies.
Mother Nature once again cooperated as spectators lined Ward street sidewalks and lawn surrounding the Cenotaph to catch a few words from speakers at the traditional ceremony that included the playing of Last Post, two-minutes of silence, a flyover by Nelson Pilots Association and speakers praising veterans of yesteryear.
War Veteran Doug Wood led the ceremony that included words from Legion Padre, Kootenay/Columbia MP Wayne Stetski, Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak and 96-year old war veteran, Lionel Binnett.
Kozak touched on the contributions of local war heroes from Nelson during the First World War while Stetski spoke about the many Canadians who fought for our freedom overseas.
Nelson City Band was on hand also to lead the crowd in O’ Canada and God Save the Queen along with Wood saluting the work done by War Amps volunteer, Fraser Packham of Nelson.
The 11-year-old Packham is War Amps Safety Ambassador, who warns kids about the dangers in their neighbourhood.
A highlight of the ceremony, as in most years, was Binnett reciting the war poem, In Flanders Field.
