It was 1999 when the Fort Langley Remembrance Day services resumed after several years absence.
Since that time, thousands have come to honour those who served to protect their country, region, community, family, and friends at the annual celebration.
Organizer Warren Sommer noted the importance of involving a broad spectrum of local residents in the event including youth.
“I think it’s important to keep doing it [holding Remembrance Day ceremonies] throughout the Langleys so that it is accessible to everyone in the community,” he said.
The parade procession will muster at about 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the west end of the Fort Langley Cemetery near the intersection of St. Andrew’s and Nash Streets.
Led by a piper and the colour party, the parade will commence at about 10:25 a.m. and will include veterans, members of clergy, first responders, cadets, elected officials, Kwantlen First Nation elders, and members of Scouts and Girl Guides.
“First Nation people are part of the Canadian mosaic,” noted Sommer. “Many First Nation people... joined their fellow citizens to take up arms in defence of the country and our shared values.”
The parade will move through the cemetery and towards the cenotaph, passing by the graves of close to 300 veterans.
The service will start at the cenotaph at 10:40 a.m. and will include two minutes of silence, a fly-past by the Fraser Blues formation flying team, and the laying of wreaths.
“If we don’t remember what happened and what continues to happen... we’re doomed to repeat it,” Sommers said.
The Remembrance Day service will be followed by hot beverages and refreshments at St. Andrew’s United Church and St. George’s Anglican Church.