Tanara Oliveira/News Staff
As Remembrance Day approaches, the ceremonies stand as solemn reminders of the bravery and dedication shown by those who defended our country. These ceremonies unite communities in reflecting upon the profound impact of war and the enduring legacy of those who answered the call of duty. Here is a list of places that will host the services Nov. 11 across Greater Victoria:
Victoria
The provincial capital will have a ceremony taking place at the cenotaph on the legislature grounds.
The event is scheduled to run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with ample time to participate. All members of the community are welcome to join in this meaningful commemoration.
Esquimalt
Join the Township of Esquimalt for their solemn Remembrance Day service, which is set to commence shortly before 11 a.m. at the Memorial Park Cenotaph.
The event is scheduled to run from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. and is open to all. Check the map for location details.
Saanich
The District of Saanich invites the community to gather at the Saanich Cenotaph in a moment of silent remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country during times of war, conflict, and peace.
The ceremony includes a military parade, with active and retired service members, police, fire, and local community groups laying wreaths at the Cenotaph. The event will be from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., at 770 Vernon Ave.
Oak Bay
The Oak Bay Remembrance Day ceremony will be at Oak Bay Cenotaph (2800 Beach Dr.) at 10:55 a.m. The ceremony is open to all, with a road closure on the 2800 block of Beach Drive during the event.
The cenotaph, located in Uplands Park, stands nine feet tall and commemorates 97 Oak Bay residents who lost their lives in the Second World War. Designed by James Saull, it features a woman gazing at the names of the fallen, with the inscription “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Colwood
Mayor Doug Kobayashi and members of Colwood council, along with the 7th Juan de Fuca Scouts, will attend a solemn Remembrance Day ceremony at the Juan de Fuca Cenotaph. The ceremony will be at 11 a.m.
The cenotaph, located in a peaceful Garry oak grove near the Juan de Fuca Arena, carries great historical importance. The monument, built in 1974, marks the spot where a Bofors gun was deployed in 1942 to protect Esquimalt Harbour after a submarine targeted the Estevan Point Lighthouse, situated north of Tofino.
Langford
At Langford’s Veterans Memorial Park, a crowd will gather for the solemn commemorative ceremony, set to begin at 10:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to approach the event with a sense of respect and to engage fully in the proceedings.
If you’re looking for more details, contact the Royal Canadian Legion Prince Edward Branch at 250-478-1828 or visit their website at https://www.rcl91.ca/.
Central Saanich
The Remembrance Day ceremony in Central Saanich will take place at 10:50 a.m., following a moving flyover at 10:45 a.m. The ceremony will be held at 1209 Clarke Rd, in Brentwood Bay.
Sidney
The Remembrance Day parade in Sidney starts at 10:25 a.m. from the Mary Winspear Centre, goes along Beacon Avenue and Second Street, and concludes at the cenotaph on Sidney Avenue.
The Service of Remembrance begins at 10:45 a.m., featuring wreath-laying to honour fallen service personnel. At 11 a.m., during the two-minute silence, there will be a fly past.
Temporary street closures: Beacon and Second from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., and Sidney, Third, Fourth, and Mount Baker from 10 a.m. to noon. Veterans who would like to participate can assemble at the Mary Winspear Centre at 10 a.m. or join at the cenotaph.
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