Hundreds Honor Veterans at Oak Bay Remembrance Ceremony

Hundreds gathered at the cenotaph in Oak Bay on November 11, 2023, to commemorate the sacrifices of veterans who shaped Canada’s history. The ceremony featured a poignant tribute to those who fought for freedom, with speeches and performances paying homage to their bravery.

At the event, Lt. Tyler Commandeur addressed a diverse audience that included families, veterans, first responders, and active service members. “We walk in the footsteps of heroes,” he remarked, emphasizing that every freedom enjoyed today is a result of the courage and sacrifices made by veterans.

Under a clear sky, the ceremony unfolded with a bugler playing solemn tunes, alongside veterans who laid wreaths in remembrance. Local leaders delivered speeches, and the Canadian College of Performing Arts choir performed “In Flanders Fields” and “God Save the King.”

The significance of the day was expressed by Reverend Sarah Fanning of Oak Bay United Church. “We gather on this day of remembrance to honour those who have sacrificed for peace and for freedom,” she stated. “We give thanks for their love and their sacrifice, and we pray for their souls wherever they may be.”

Attendees included residents from nearby regions, such as Linda Cain, who shared her gratitude for living in a peaceful country. “I don’t have to worry about my house being bombed or my friends or my family,” she noted. “I am grateful that we live here.”

The ceremony also drew attention to the younger generation, with many children present. Oak Bay Councillor Hazel Braithwaite expressed joy at seeing families attending. “I get so much out of coming here today, and every year there seems to be more and more people,” she said. “It just warms my heart to know that people still remember and that people are bringing their children to remember as well.”

The war memorial in Oak Bay commemorates the 97 men and women from the area who lost their lives during the Second World War. In 2004, bronze plaques were added to honour those who fell in the First World War, the Korean War, and during U.N. peacekeeping missions.

This ceremony not only serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans but also highlights the community’s commitment to remembering their legacy for future generations.