I have just returned from the Remembrance Day Ceremony held at the Sooke Legion and unfortunately, I must admit it was the worst ceremony I have ever attended.
I am positive it was at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month that two minutes of silence is observed. Over the past few years, it has been 10:45, 10:50 and today 10:55.
I also wish to advise the ladies in the white vests, that were in front of my family, from the Sooke Harbourside Lions, two minutes of silence means silence.
When my five-year- old daughter asked, “Why where those ladies talking during the silence?” I had no reply. Is it too much to ask that the two minutes be respected? If my five year old can remain quiet for the time, I am confident those from the Lions could do the same.
I am to assume that the prayer given on completion of the Rouse was touching and moving, unfortunately only those within earshot would be able to hear it as the sound system was not used. This is an event where the Legion is fully in the spotlight and although they cannot control the weather, everything else is within their control.
Paul Sutherland
Sooke