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Photo: Monique Tamminga Photo: Monique Tamminga Photo: Monique Tamminga Photo: Monique Tamminga Photo: Monique Tamminga

 

Thousands of people filled Memorial Park in Summerland to take in the Remembrance Day ceremony on Monday.

The Summerland Legion Branch 22 once again organized the ceremony with the Summerland Pipe Band and local cadets playing a significant part of the day.

“Every year we always get a big crowd and we see it again today,” said Summerland Legion president Mike Brazeau. “This town is very supportive of this ceremony. It’s truly nice to see the young people turn out, including cadets, hockey groups, Scouts and more.”

Veterans, students, dignitaries, one of the last local war brides and various families were among the many who laid wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph.

Miss Summerland Sage Beddome read In Flanders Fields and once again the Summerland Secondary band played the music for the event.

Summerland Mayor Toni Boot was touched by the huge turnout again this year.

“I think the reason more and more people show up at the cenotaph each year is because we all see what is going on around the world,” said Boot. “For all of us it’s significant to remember the men and women who fought for the freedoms we have in this country.”

This year's Remembrance Day ceremony follows a major milestone in France earlier this year marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of Canadian stormed the beaches of Normandy with their British and American allies to fight Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

It also comes exactly 101 years to the day after the end of the First World War.

Brazeau thanked the residents of Summerland for showing their support in honouring the many who have fought for our freedoms. Locally, he said the Legion is growing as well.

“Our branch has about 500 members. We are growing and we have 50 new members join just this year. We do a lot for the community as well as our veterans. Last year, we donated more than $20,000 various activities in the community,” said Brazeau.

Penticton also saw a well-attended ceremony Monday.