It was a sombre day of reflection in Port Alberni on Nov. 11, 2024 as community members turned out to pay their respects at the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies.
The day started with an indoor ceremony at the Glenwood Centre, which was standing-room only as hundreds turned out to pay their respects to service members past and present. The service was conducted by Major Michael Ramsay of the Salvation Army and Bruce Proudfoot of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 293 and featured music by the Alberni District Secondary School senior concert band and the West Coast Highlanders Pipes and Drum Band.
Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made over the years.
"While wars may end, the memories don't simply fade away," she said. "The men and women who served carry with them the memories of friends lost, battles fought and of lives changed forever. While they might be modest about their service, their silence often holds stories that are still deeply painful, even after many years."
After the ceremony at the Glenwood Centre, a smaller group of community members gathered at Greenwood Cemetery to lay wreaths and poppies at the Field of Honour, the Hupacasath First Nation cemetery and Vietnam veteran Michael Campbell's grave.
