Remembrance Day 2014, Kamloops, BC

November 11^th is called Remembrance Day in Canada and has been recognized since WW1.  It was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth.  Originally called Armistice Day, as it was to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended WW1, it was celebrated on the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.   It is observed around the world on this day but most countries still call it Armistice Day.   The Americans celebrate Veteran’s Day on November 11^th.

Kamloops Cenotaph

We stopped by the Kamloops Cenotaph and poppies decorated the monument and some wreaths were left.  Cenotaph is a Greek word for “empty tomb” and laying of wreaths is a traditional means of signalling high honours in Greece, so the Remembrance Day follows with that tradition.

Large crowd gathers at Riverside Park

As in most cities across the country, people gathered, at Riverside Park in Kamloops, BC, to honour the veterans who fought in the wars of yesterday as well as those who still do today.   2014 proved to be a special occasion by the numbers of people who came to watch the ceremony today.

RCMP lead the way, Veterans follow the flags

The parade made its’ way into the center of the crowd by way of a temporary corridor set up and everyone in the crowd applauded as they passed by.  The RCMP in their red serge march by to much applause and they are followed by more uniforms, the Rube Band, the Pipe Band, and last but not least were several veterans to end the march.

Remembrance Day in Riverside Park

Uniforms joining those who had passed by our spot could be seen in the crowded field to honour fallen soldiers including the Rocky Mountain Rangers and Cadets.  Our national anthem was sung then the Last Post was played on the bugle, a familiar yet rather sombre sound.  This was followed with a two minute silence.

Fly over at 11:04am

 The Fly Past was done by two from the 419 Squadron out of Cold Lake, Alberta then followed by “Reveille”, also played on the bugle.  Prayers and blessings were given then followed by placement of wreaths by various representatives of the government plus many others.  Everyone is welcome to add their own wreath at this time.

Remembrance Day in Kamloops, BC

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

Sombre moments during Remembrance Day

We are the dead.  Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Kamloops Pipe Band

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch, be yours to hold it high.

IF ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

In Flanders Fields is a poem written by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae with a powerful message.

There is more Remembrance Day from past years, click here to see one and here if you'd like to learn more about the 419 Squadron.

LEST WE FORGET

Remembrance Day ~ 419 Squadron ~ Kamloops, BC

It is Remembrance Day, November 11, 2013.  The day is overcast and with the significance of this solemn holiday, it seems only right that the sun does not shine on us today.  There are personal memories for some and stories for others but we all know how important it is to recognize those who gave their lives for our county and to remember all who fought for our freedom.

The Red poppy for Remembrance Day in Canada

I had the idea that we should go out to the airport to get some photos of the airplanes that would be doing a flypast for the Remembrance Day ceremony at Riverside Park at 11am. I expected that these jets would be arriving from out of town in time for the ceremony so was very surprised to see that they were sitting at Fulton Field to begin the flight from here.  That should guarantee some more photos so I am thrilled.

419 Squadron take off from Fulton Field, Kamloops, BC

The Hawk aircraft of 419 Squadron are from Cold Lake, Alberta.  That is the busiest fighter base in Canada and is considered world class.  The fighter pilot training for the Canadian forces is conducted there so we are seeing some of the world’s finest pilots participate in our Remembrance Day ceremony. 

The Hawk aircraft is airborne

The engines roar and takeoff begins but that was over so quickly that I barely had time to get the camera focused on the airplane!  The good thing is that there were three Hawk aircraft taking off and I would have another chance to get a photo of a jet as it went overhead. 

Leaving Fulton Field, Kamloops, BC

The reality of getting a good overhead photo of an airplane leaving the airstrip I am standing at as they fly over at an incredible speed, soon appears to be a figment of my imagination.  I have a beautiful camera with a great lense but there is only so much one should expect of the camera!  

Making formation for Remembrance Day ceremony in Kamloops, BC

The formation soon happens and I manage to get a photo with them off in the distance before they’re out of sight. It is shortly before it is time for their appearance at the ceremony and we can hear them but cannot see them for awhile.  

The flypast for Remembrance Day in Kamloops, BC

A ‘flypast’ is a ceremonial flight by a single or a group of aircraft and the flypast today will honor those who fought for the freedom of our country. The sound and power is amazing when they fly low and that makes for an emotional moment when it is part of the Remembrance Day ceremony. 

'Missing Man Formation' is performed

The ‘missing man formation’ is often used in these ceremonies.  It can be displayed in several different formations, depending on the number of aircraft or significance of the event.  It displays an empty place in the formation and is a tribute showing love, respect and camaraderie for a brother pilot, so very significant for our Remembrance Day ceremonies.

419 Squadron returns to Fulton Field, Kamloops, BC

We waited to watch the squadron return to Fulton Field before we left.  I may not have gotten that special overhead photo I hoped for but the purpose for the visit was to pay respect to those who fight for our country.  From our vantage point, I quietly thanked the pilots of the 419 Squadron for their participation in the Remembrance Day ceremony in Kamloops as well as all of the others who so bravely fought the wars that allow us to live in a free country with all that we have.

Lest We Forget 

Remembrance Day ~ Kamloops, BC ~ Canada

November 11^th , called Armistice Day until 1931 when it became Remembrance Day, is the day set aside every year when we remember all those who fought in battles for our country and did not come home.  We also honor those who did come home after fighting their valiant battles and are part of our country’s history, many have passed on since that time and need to be remembered as well. There are very few remaining who fought during WW2, and they will also be remembered on Nov. 11^th.

Jim Hughes during WW 2 in England, 1942

There were thousands of Canadian soldiers who did not come home from war. Those who did return had all left friends behind who had fought for their country but lost their battle to return home.  Many of us “baby boomers” had mothers or fathers who had been involved in World War 2 and we have the personal stories they shared to remember.  My dad, Jim Hughes was one of those fortunate soldiers who came home.

The Canadian Armed Division Support Group Coy R.C.A.S.C. in England, 1942

There were thousands of Canadian soldiers who did not come home from the wars.  66,665 were killed during the World War 1 when there was only a population of 7 million people in Canada. During World War 2, Canada lost 46,998 young soldiers from a population of 11 million, a high percentage for any loss.

Kamloops Cenotaph and Memorial Park

The Women’s Auxiliary to the Canadian Legion raised the funds that were needed to build and erect the Kamloops Cenotaph following World War 1 and the unveiling happened on May 24, 1925.  Names of soldiers lost in World War 1 were put on at that time and names have been added for World War 2 since.

  Hellfire Pass in Thailand

Several years ago during a visit to Thailand, we spent some time at Hellfire Pass which was built by POW’s during WW2.  The video we watched with footage taken at that camp was something I will never forget and although there were very few Canadian soldiers at this POW camp, there were about 16,000 soldiers who died.  One inscription on the plaque shown in the photo says, “When you go home, tell them of us, say we gave our tomorrow for your today”.  For more info on Hellfire Pass, click here.

Portraits of Honor visited Kamloops, BC

A Portrait of Honor (clik here for more info) was created to honor the Canadian soldiers killed in the war of Afghanistan and paid a visit to Kamloops during its tour of Canada.  A Kamloops soldier, MCpl Erin Doyle was honored during this ceremony and his name has since been added to the Kamloops Cenotaph at Memorial Park.

Kamloops Cenotaph honors soldiers killed in action 

There are cenotaphs throughout Canada but the Kamloops Cenotaph and Memorial Park has one of few that have a clock within it.  The corner if 2^nd and Battle St., which seems an appropriately named location, is the sight of the Cenotaph where Remembrance Day services were held. 

Cenotaph in Riverside Park, Kamloops, BC

Due to the larger crowds that are part of this annual Remembrance Day in Kamloops, the ceremonies are now held at Riverside Park and the parade will leave to parade through the city from this location following the ceremony. The public is invited to attend to honor those soldiers we lost in war.

The poppy is the official flower of Remembrance Day

The poppy is the official flower that pays tribute to all the veterans of the wars. When we purchase a poppy, we not only show our support but we also offer some financial support to the endeavors of the Royal Canadian Legion.  The money raised annually in Canada is $16.5 million and funds collected stay local to supply medical equipment, home services and long term care facilities for those needing such help.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row;

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead.  Short days ago

We live, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were love, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, thought poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

                                                     Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD

  Lest we forget

Veteran's Day is recognized in the United States on November 11 and we were impressed by the honor they paid their lost soldiers with the American flag while visiting there a few years ago.  To see more, click here.