NANAIMO — A crowd of over a hundred people gathered on the streets around the cenotaph at the Dallas Square Park in downtown Nanaimo on Thursday to pay their Remembrance Day respects.
COVID-19 scaled down many of the more traditional aspects of the service such as the wreath-laying, which took place before the morning service.
Part of the Nanaimo Concert Band started the event off with a rendition of O’Canada and the Start Spangled Banner. A short hymn followed, along with a gun salute by the 5th BC Field Regt RCA exactly at 11:00 a.m., then the bugle playing of the Last Post by Dave Herman and the two minutes of silence.
Ian Thorpe, councillor for the City of Nanaimo and proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, was master of ceremonies for the event.
He said it’s crucial that everyone takes time to remember the sacrifices made by those who served.
“My father was a veteran and served and that makes it very special for me, but I think it’s a very important day and I’m glad the people of Nanaimo recognized that and came out and supported it.”
The cenotaph itself was roped off with less than 50 people allowed inside to adhere to provincial health orders.
No parade of veterans, only a small colour party and the wreaths were laid down previously.
Streets around the cenotaph were closed to vehicle traffic to allow people to appropriately distance themselves during the ceremony.
The service also doubled as a birthday celebration for Nanaimo’s 103-year-old Victor Osbourne who was born on the day of the Armistice in 1918.
Daryl Amos from the Nanaimo Concert Band lead the crowd to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Osbourne, who was once again in attendance.
jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com
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