Remembrance Day Around the South Shuswap

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Sorrento

By Allan Cook

This Remembrance Day I will be presiding over my 13th year of organising and officiating the Ceremony in Sorrento. It has been a privilege to be able to bring the community together on November 11th. Sadly, there are now only a few Veterans left for us to honour.

As we Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice those many years ago, we must also show our respect to those who have served to give us the Freedom that we enjoy today. Those that have given their oath to serve this country, and those like myself, from other countries that now proudly call Canada their home.

There have been many conflicts over the past decades that have involved Canadian forces that should be recognised and Remembered on November 11th. I would, therefore, request that any retired, or serving member of our armed forces or RCMP, please attend the Ceremony in Sorrento and be recognised by marching on with the Colours. We need to keep honouring those who have served this Great Country and wherever they have served.

Those attending the Ceremony at the Memorial Hall on Paschendaele Road should be seated by 10:30am and those wishing to lay a wreath on behalf of an organisation or as an individual should contact Alan Cook at 250-463-4897 (please leave a message) to have their names included.

Following the Ceremony, the wreaths laid during the Ceremony will be paraded across the Highway to the Cenotaph located in front of St. Mary’s church.

Refreshments will be served after the Ceremony and the laying of the wreaths at the Drop In Society at the lower level of the Memorial Hall.

If you can help with donations of refreshments please contact Bret Bradstock at 250-515-1170. Any contribution (squares, cookies, or baked goods etc.) should be taken to the Drop In Society on November 10th. Appreciation is guaranteed.

Remembrance Day Events in Salmon Arm, Chase & North Shuswap

By Jo Boxwell

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This year, Remembrance Day, November 11, falls on a Tuesday, marking 107 years since November 11, 1918, the end of the First World War. In Canada, the day honours veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP who died serving their country. In addition to the ceremony in Sorrento, veterans and community members will be gathering in Salmon Arm, Chase and the North Shuswap.

Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm Legion #62 will be hosting a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph (3rd Street and Okanagan Ave.) on November 11, beginning at 10:30am. All are invited to the legion (150 Lakeshore Dr.) after the ceremony.

Chase

Chase Legion Branch #107 will be organizing a poppy campaign, parade and ceremony again this year. The poppy campaign runs from October 31 – November 11 and supports veterans and their families.

On November 11, the Remembrance Day parade will assemble at 10:30 am on Shuswap Avenue in front of PharmaChoice for a 10:40 am start. Spectators are asked to watch from the sidewalk, while veterans are invited to join the parade. The ceremony will take place at the Chase Community Hall, with seating priority given to those in the parade. Shuswap Avenue between PharmaChoice and Chase Community Hall will be closed to vehicles during the parade.

Celista

Hosted by the North Shuswap Lions Club at the North Shuswap Community Hall, the Celista ceremony will begin at 10 am, with community members asked to arrive at 9:45 am. The ceremony will include singing of the National Anthem, remarks from dignitaries, readings by local elementary school students, The Last Post, two minutes of silence and the laying of wreaths. There will be a light lunch and refreshments at the hall after the ceremony. Veterans are encouraged to attend. If you wish to be recognized during the ceremony, contact Brian Knipstrom by phone 250-299-7981 or email bknipstrom@gmail.com.