Events in Vancouver: Remembrance Day

This weekend is Remembrance Day, a solemn holiday in Canada which commemorates the victims of war and those who have fought to defend their country.

Vancouver’s biggest Remembrance Day ceremony happens at the Victory Square Cenotaph (200 West Hastings Street between Cambie Street and Hamilton) on the morning of November 11th.

There are ceremonies in other parts of Vancouver too but the Victory Square event, is usually the largest and most impressive in the lower mainland.

The ceremony usually begins with a musical performance (bagpipes are traditional for this holiday) followed by a march of veterans (former soliders who have fought in wars), as well as current members of the Canadian Armed Forces and police officers.

The singing of O Canada is a staple of this ceremony, followed by a song called the Last Lament and then the thing Remembrance Day is famous for: two minutes of silence. During this time, people remain totally quiet and reflect on the sacrifices that have been made in the name of their countries. After this there is the laying of wreaths to commemorate the deceased, and then more music.

A special feature of this ceremony is the 21-gun salute by the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. There is also often a military flyover by Royal Canadian Air Force jets (although that doesn’t happen every year).

The ceremonies usually start at 10:00 or 10:30 am and go until about 11:30 am or noon, after which time the parade begins.