The community of Likely dedicated its recently constructed Cenotaph on Remembrance Day.
Addressing the audience about the importance of remembering those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today were Adam Schaan, representing MLA Bob Simpson; Cariboo Regional District Director Joan Sorley, and Robin Hood, Likely Chamber of Commerce president.
The construction of the Cenotaph, a long held dream of the community, was organized by the Likely Seniors Association. Association president Marvin Doney thanked those involved in the planning and construction.
The Likely Chamber of Commerce organized the construction using many local people and businesses to accomplish the task.
Mt. Polly Mine donated the stone used for the monument.
School District 27 donated the flag pole and many members of the seniors association assisted in the construction of the Cenotaph as well as the preparation for the Remembrance Day ceremony.
The Cenotaph was unveiled by lifetime senior’s association member Lala Hampton and our eldest senior’s association member Karl Welti.
The Remembrance Day ceremony master of ceremonies was Gerrit Apperloo who introduced the reader of Flanders Field, Julie Lockyer, and the reader of Ode of Remembrance, Gabrielle Gagnon. Assisting in the wreath laying were Gabrielle and Zoe Gagnon.
Wreaths made of local evergreen boughs and pine cones and made in Likely, were laid at the Cenotaph on behalf of the MLA by Adam Schaan, the CRD by Joan Sorley, the Likely Chamber of Commerce by Robin Hood, Big Lake Community Association by board member Leeann Sheieman, industry by Paul Allan from Mt. Polly Mine, the senior’s association by Karl Welti, the police forces by Staff Sergeant Ken Brissard, in memory of family members lost in the wars by Linda Smith, John Gagnon, and Gloria Harms, and the youth by student Julie Lockyer.
There was a moment of silence paid in respect of the veterans of Likely who could not be there: Henry Hicks, Al Taylor, and John Glenday.
The community of Likely wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the RCMP detachment of Williams Lake for sending four officers to assist us in our ceremony of remembrance; to Big Lake for joining us in our act of remembrance; to Cathie Wright for taking all the pictures; to all those who participated in any way in this event; and to all who came to remember.
We will remember!