On November the 11th, we remember those who died in military service, and honour those who served in wartime with Remembrance Day; a yearly memorial day that is observed in Canada and in many Commonwealth countries around the world on the anniversary of the Armistice agreement of 1918 that ended the First World War.
From the Canadian Encyclopedia, “On Remembrance Day, public ceremonies and church services often include the playing of “Last Post,” a reading of the fourth stanza of the poem “For the Fallen,” and two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. Wreaths are laid at local war memorials and assemblies are held in schools. The red poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day that was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. Red poppy pins are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion and worn by millions of Canadians in the weeks leading up to and on 11 November.”
Here in Victoria, B.C. you can visit the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum on the Esquimalt navy base to learn about a British admiral whose efforts led to Esquimalt’s first on-shore base, or the strange story of the only warship in history known to have voted itself out of a war. Museum exhibits include: Canada’s Navy on the West Coast; Canadian Women’s Army Corps; Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service; and the West Coast Defences. The museum’s temporary exhibits have included a tribute to military police, a celebration of First Nations military achievements, and a history of Canada’s submarines
To pay tribute to those who have died in military service, consider attending a special Remembrance Day Service and Reception at the Victoria Legislature:
Victoria – Provincial Remembrance Day Service
Remembrance Day Ceremony at Victoria Legislature
Date: Remembrance Day – November 11th
Time: 10:30 am – 12:15 pm
Place: Provincial Cenotaph, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC
Official Remembrance Day Service for Province of British Columbia
Contact: Victoria Remembrance Day Committee Poppy Fund at (250) 386-2533 or victoriapoppyfund@shaw.ca
Victoria – Remembrance Day Reception – Public Service Branch 127
Date: November 11th
Time: 12:15 – 3:00 pm
Place: Main Floor, 514 Government Street
As in the past, Public Service Branch 127 will host an open house/reception following the Official Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph.
Contact: Public Service Branch 127 at (250) 386-3325 or rcl127@shaw.ca
Whether you live in, or are visiting Victoria, at Pemberton Holmes we hope you’ll attend one of the events held in the city to commemorate this important day.
