A large crowd gathered in Keremeos’ Memorial Park on Sunday, November 11 to pay their respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice as the community observed Remembrance Day.
Several hundred - including a large complement of youth - braved sub zero temperatures for this year’s ceremonies, which took place against a the background of a partially snow dusted K Mountain.
Similkameen Elementary Secondary School student Haley Porter led the audience with a rendition of “O Canada” followed by Legion Chaplain Jason Wiebbe leading prayers.
Sidney Wigglesworth provided trumpet solos for The Last Post, while SESS student Caroine Brunton read the Armistice Day poem. Patrick Buchanan piped the parade detail into the park in addition to piping Lament.
Rae Langille and Wallace Reid also provided Remembrance Day services to residents of Orchard Haven on Thursday, November 8. Jerry Orford and Mary Goguin, both residents of the facility, are veterans. Goguin still has her military uniform, in excellent shape after more than 60 years.
Rather than being diminished by time, Remembrance Day ceremonies in Keremeos appear to be more relevant than ever. An unofficial survey of crowds attending the ceremonies over the past few years has seen an apparent increase both in numbers as well as youth attending.