Remembrance Day Ceremony draws more than 1,000 to Nelson Cenotaph
By Nelson Daily Staff
Sunny skies greeted more than a thousand spectators to remember the world’s darkest hours during the 2018 Nelson Remembrance Day Ceremony Sunday.
The crowd jammed the Cenotaph at the City Hall Courtyard to remember those who sacrificed much more than personal comfort for the way of life.
People surrounded the Cenotaph and filled the 300 Block of Ward street to listen to 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 Nelson Mayor John Dooley, Nelson-Creston MP and Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Michelle Mungall, Legion President Bill Andreaschukand 99-year old war veteran, Lionel Binnett reciting war poem, In Flanders Field.
Nelson Community Band was on hand to lead the crowd in O' Canada and God Save the Queen along with Wood reading a message from Kootenay Columbia MP Wayne Stetski who could not be present.
War veterans, led by the Kootenay Kiltie Pipe Band, as well as Nelson Police, RCMP, BC Sheriffs and local first responders, kicked off the event by marching to City Hall for the cenotaph ceremony.
Nelsonites joined thousands across BC honouring the service and sacrifice of Canadian veterans.
This year marks 100 years since the end of WW I. It's also been 101 years since the Battle of Passchendaele, which left more than 15,000 Canadians wounded or dead.
There was two-minutes of silence to remember those honouring the service and sacrifice of Canadian veterans.
The crowd filled the Cenotaph as well as the 300 Block of Ward Street.
Nelson Pilots Association joined the ceremony during a flyover.
First responders led by Nelson Police Chief Paul Burkart.
Wreaths filled the Cenotaph at the City Hall Courtyard.
