Remembrance Day ceremonies in Sooke brought several hundred people to the Sooke Legion Cenotaph on Monday, Nov. 11 to pay their respects and to help keep the memories of those who have served our country alive.
“We have a number of groups from Sooke including the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, Sooke Search and Rescue, the RCMP, and a wide variety of veterans groups, along with a lot of others,” said Murray Lambert, a longtime Legion member. “Chaplain Richard Steele conducted the ceremony, and we have a total of 18 VIP wreaths being laid in remembrance of those who have served.”
The ceremony began in the parking lot of Western Foods where the wide variety of groups that had gathered to pay their respects formed up before parading through Sooke to the Cenotaph.
Once there, the throngs of people stood to listen to the words of Chaplain Steele as he led the ceremony through the traditional prayers and acknowledgments.
It was clear, though, that amongst the gathered crowd, there was a variety of personal reasons and motivations for attendance. Many came in uniform, proudly wearing their medals. Others, like the RCMP, firefighters and Search and Rescue workers, showed their respect because, in their own way, they too serve society and are willing to put their safety on the line in the protection and support of others.
Others, like Nagva Nena, were there because of a personal connection to the horrors of war and the sacrifice of others.
“My family came from Poland, and they experienced both world wars. They had some horrible times and it’s important to remember those who were there to fight for us,” said Nena. “I think that the memories might fade away and it’s important to keep the lessons we learned alive.”
It was a sentiment shared by Jack Mitchell.
“I think that it’s natural that memories will fade as wars slip into the past, but we have to continue to show up and remember this day. It’s important that we teach our kids what has happened in the past so that they know about those who sacrificed their lives so that we can live ours in freedom.”
When the last wreath was laid and the trumpet and pipes and drums faded away, the crowd remained for some time, speaking in hushed tones, smiling, and greeting friends. Some went into the Legion Hall to take advantage of the sandwiches supplied by the Harbourside Lions and the cake donated by the two Sooke food markets.
For those who couldn’t attend the ceremony, Lambert said they can show their appreciation for veterans by donating to the Legion Poppy Fund by visiting legion.ca/remembrance/donate-to-the-poppy-fund.
