With the pandemic restrictions lifted official Remembrance Day ceremonies have returned to B.C’s greater Kelowna area, though there may be some extra precautions in place this year.
Last year, a pall was cast over Kelowna’s informal Remembrance Day ceremonies when anti-COVID-restriction proponents decided to use the ceremony to push their political perspective.
Darlene McCaffery, Kelowna Legion president, said at the poppy campaign kickoff that there are some concerns there will be a repeat performance, though she stressed that all are welcome.
“As far as I’m concerned, people with a little noise can come. They are Canadians, that is no problem as long as they came to respect our veterans and respect our country and respect us at the podium,” she said.
“They are more than welcome. But I’m certain there are plans in place that will allow it to be peaceful.”
She didn’t expand on what those plans may be but the disturbance was taken seriously.
During a press conference following the incident last year, Insp. Adam MacIntosh said Kelowna RCMP officers support a person or group’s right to protest, “but, when they choose to willfully interrupt the assembly of citizens at a Remembrance Day ceremony, this is a step too far.”
Five months after the incident, the woman alleged to have interrupted the informal ceremony at the Kelowna cenotaph was charged with disturbing order or solemnity of a meeting. Linda Jackson’s next court date will be Nov. 14.
For those who would like to observe a ceremony there are a number of opportunities and they are as follows:
Nov. 8
Indigenous Veterans Day
Join Westbank First Nation (WFN) and guests from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., at the WFN Community Core, 1900 Quail Lane, as all Indigenous and non-Indigenous veterans are honoured for their service and contributions to Canada and the world.
The ceremony includes a welcome by Coun. Jordan Coble, Elder Okanagan prayer, acknowledgement by the BC Dragoons; music from Sənsisyustən students; the reading of fallen and surviving WFN veterans names and the laying of wreaths. One minute of silence will be held at 11:11 a.m.
Nov. 11
Kelowna
City Park Cenotaph, 1600 Abbott St., organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Kelowna Branch #26. At approximately 10:30 a.m. a parade of participating organizations and the Colour Party will march from Stuart Park along Bernard Avenue to Abbott Street and to the Cenotaph in City Park for the ceremony. Following the ceremony, participating youth groups are invited to the Legion Branch, 1380 Bertram St. for lunch. A period of social remembrance will be held in the Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way from 12 to 3:30 p.m. with music from the Old Time Fiddlers and Pipes and Drums.
READ MORE: ‘Not the right time’– Anger in Kelowna, B.C. after Remembrance Day ceremony disrupted
Rutland
Lions Park Cenotaph, 175 Gray Rd., organized by the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit 376.
The ceremony will take place at the cenotaph in Lions Park. Residents are asked to arrive by 10:30 a.m. ahead of the Colour Party procession. Following the ceremony, the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit 376 will host a social at Rutland Centennial Hall, 215 Shepherd Rd.
Lake Country
George Elliot Secondary School, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd., organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Oyama Branch #189.
Participants are asked to be seated inside George Elliot Secondary School auditorium by 10:30 a.m. as the service will begin at 10:45. A sign language interpreter will be providing translation services during the ceremony. Following the ceremony residents are welcome to join a parade of ceremony participants to the Cenotaph in Memorial Park. A Public Open House will be held at the Legion Branch, 15712 Oyama Rd.
Peachland
Cenotaph Park, Beach Avenue and 2nd Street, organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Peachland Branch #69.
Peachland Legion Branch #69 will conduct an outdoor ceremony at the Cenotaph in Cenotaph Park on Beach Avenue at the end of 2nd Street commencing at 10:30 a.m. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Following the ceremony, adults and children are welcome to attend a reception at the Legion Branch, 4407-2nd St.
West Kelowna
Royal LePage Place, 2760 Cameron Rd., organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Westbank Branch #288.
There are no COVID restrictions for this indoor event which will be aired on the Shaw cable community channel for those unable to attend. Attendees are asked to arrive by 10 a.m. as a parade involving participating organizations and the Colour Party precedes the 11 a.m. ceremony. Following the ceremony, lunch will be served at the Branch for members and invited guests.
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