Nelsonites gather to pay respects at Legion 2023 Remembrance Day ceremony
Rainy conditions could not stop Nelsonites from joining Canadians across the country to honour Canada’s veterans of war at the 2023 Remembrance Day Ceremonies, held at the Cenotaph outside City Hall.
Remembrance Day ceremonies, hosted by the Nelson Legion Branch 51, typically attracts hundreds of the people each year.
However, the crowd was considerably smaller at the event that included music by the Nelson Community Band, Last Post played by L.V. Rogers music teacher Justin Ratzburg, two minutes of silence at 11 a.m., the singing of O’Canada led by former Nelson Mayor John Dooley, speeches by local politicians and the honouring of Korean War veteran Ian Gilmore by Legion Branch president Bill Haire.
“To take a look around . . . there’s may be a veteran standing right beside you and thank them for their service,” Haire said as raindrops hitting the microphone during the ceremony echoed throughout the crowd.
“(There’s) 94-year-old veteran of Korean War, Ian Gilmore (who was) selected to be one of 12 Korean War Veterans to be honoured by the Republic of South Korea for duties during the Korean conflict on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice.”
“Ian, thank you for your service,” Haire added.
Korean War Veteran Ian Gilmore was recognized at the Nelson Remembrance Day Ceremony after being selected to be one of 12 vets to be honoured by the Republic of South Korea for duties during the Korean conflict on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice.
The 2023 Remembrance Day ceremony was live streamed on the Nelson Legion Branch 51 Facebook page by sponsor The Nelson Daily.
Tanya Finley, speaking on behalf of Kootenay Columbia MP Rob Morrison, said there are “no winners in war” especially after watching what is taking place in other parts of the world where there are some horrors that are “totally unimaginable.”
“There is a need to find more love in the world,” Finley concluded.
Nelson Creston MLA, Brittny Anderson recognized the traditional land the ceremony is held on and bravery and courage of indigenous veterans of wars.
Anderson was once again impressed that so many members of the community continue to gather to honour veterans as well as other first responders, peacekeepers, and the Legion.
Rain pelted down during most of the Remembrance Day Ceremony as speakers, including Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison, honoured veterans.
Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison also paid tribute to the number of people that continue to come out year after year to honour veterans.
“Veterans identified an unwavering courage in times of conflict,” Morrison said.
“Their sacrifice insured the preservation of democracy, peace and freedom.”
Morrison said love and peace are the answer.
“Together let us commit to building a world of acceptance, hope and peace.”
Legion Branch president Bill Haire placed a wreath on the Cenotaph before the Parade was marched back to the Nelson Legion by the Kootenay Kiltie Pipe Band.
Ian Christner recited In Flanders Fields following Kootenay Kiltie Pipe Major David Hogg playing Lament on the bagpipes.
Prior to the start of the ceremony, Legion executive member John Reisterer read out the many community wreath sponsors.
The ceremony live stream, sponsored by The Nelson Daily, can be watched by clicking this link.
Live Steam sponsor, The Nelson Daily, again videod the Remembrance Day Ceremony on the Legion Facebook page for anyone unable to attend. — The Nelson Daily photo
