As the month of November begins, people start wearing bright red poppies to show their respect and gratitude for the men and women who gave their lives to serve and protect Canada throughout many conflicts around the world and through the centuries.
Another thing people of all ages can do to honour veterans is attend the City of Richmond’s annual Remembrance Day ceremonies on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Rd.
“Wearing a poppy, purchased by donation, is a way to salute and commemorate all the Canadians who perished during times of war,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“Our Remembrance Day ceremonies provide a special opportunity to reflect on contributions and sacrifices Canada’s veterans made so that, today, we can all live with peace and freedom.”
And if you can’t make Richmond’s Remembrance Day service in person, it will be streamed live online.
To access the live webcast, click on the Remembrance Day information in the news highlights section on the city’s home page of richmond.ca. To view a recording of the ceremonies after Nov. 11, visit the Remembrance Day webpage at richmond.ca (Discover Richmond > Special Events > Remembrance Day Ceremonies).
The ceremonies will also be simulcast into city hall council chambers.
Everyone is welcome inside, but space is limited. First seating preference will be given to those who may not be able to stand outside for the duration of the service.
*A military parade will start marching at 10:20 a.m. towards the cenotaph, which is located on the east side of city hall.
The parade includes the Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Association members, Richmond’s permanent Canadian Forces Unit 39 Service Battalion and representation from public safety agencies and cadet organizations.
The official ceremonies at the city hall cenotaph will begin at 10:40 a.m.
There will be two minutes of silence at 11 a.m., which will be followed by wreath-laying.
When the service ends, the public is invited to a Remembrance Day reception in the City Hall Galleria.
This is a free event where people can warm up with a hot drink and snack, talk about the ceremonies and connect with other community members, and view a number of interesting Remembrance Day displays put together by the City of Richmond Archives and the Friends of the Richmond Archives.
In order to facilitate this event, streets will be closed and traffic patterns will be changed between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
During this time, there will be restricted road access to the following roadways:
* Granville Avenue will be closed in both directions from Minoru Boulevard to Buswell Street;
* No. 3 Road will be closed in both directions from Park Road to Bennett Road.
For more information, contact the City of Richmond at 604-276-4000.
