When the Langley Legion held its first Remembrance Day service outside its new premises at 20570 56 Ave. last year, it drew hundreds of residents.
The trouble was, most of those who came to show respect to Canada’s fallen heroes could neither hear nor see what was going on, triggering a wave of complaints.
This year’s Nov. 11 service will be much better, Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender assured, after the City hosted an open house last week.
Representatives of the Legion were “delighted” with the design concept for the cenotaph, Fassbender said. Discussions will continue on the wording to be inscribed on the cenotaph.
“We are moving full speed ahead because we want to make sure we have it in place for this November,” Fassbender said.
The cenotaph will be erected west of the bandshell in Douglas Park.
It will be close to the entrance of the park, and provide plenty of space for people to gather around it, Fassbender said.
People addressing the crowd will stand on the bandshell stage “and everyone in the park will be able to see and hear them,” he said. The City will pay for the sound box.
The mayor said he felt very badly for members of the Legion and those who, even though they attended last November’s ceremony, were unable to take part.
“This year’s ceremony is the beginning of a whole new era of inviting everyone in the community to participate in what is a very important event,” he said.