Remembrance Day is upon us, and during this time we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect upon and pay their respects to those who fought for, and continue to serve our country.
Schools throughout School District 27 will hold Remembrance Day services today (Friday).
On Monday, Nov. 11, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 will lead the services for the community with ceremonies beginning at the Gibraltar Room. Doors open at 9 a.m. and entry by the colour party and veterans will start at 9:30 a.m.
After the Gibraltar service at 10 a.m. the colour party, led by Gordon Keener, pipe band and participants will march to the Cenotaph at city hall for the 11 a.m. two minutes of silence, followed by the traditional laying of wreaths.
In an aerial salute, the Williams Lake Flying Club are also planning to fly over the city in missing man formation to honour fallen pilots.
The Silver Cross Mother is Faith Andre this year.
Following the services at city hall, Branch 139 president Joyce Norberg said the public is invited for a pot-luck lunch and fellowship upstairs at the Legion while hot chocolate and hot dogs will be served in the Lower Legion Hall for the young participants of the services.
The Old Time Fiddlers will be on hand to entertain at the Legion in the early afternoon, and at 4:30 p.m. Save On Foods will serve a beef dip for the occasion.
Perfect Match will also entertain guests after 4:30 p.m.
Currently there are more than 20 Williams Lake residents serving our country in various capacities around the world.
Anyone who needs a ride to the service or wishes to lay a wreath is asked to contact Branch 139 at 250-392-7311 or 250-392-4255.
This Remembrance Day pays special honour to those who served in the Korean War. Canada participated on the side of the United Nations in the Korean War, which lasted three years from 1950 to 1953.
In all 26,000 Canadians participated in the conflict, with Canada sending eight destroyers while also providing aircraft support for transport, supply and logistics. Historical records indicate 516 Canadians died in the Korean conflict, with 312 of those deaths being incurred during combat.