Lest we forget.
The annual Squamish Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11 is a tangible way locals can ensure the sacrifices made by those who served—or who are serving—our country are not forgotten.
The Squamish Legion (Diamond Head Branch 277) is again organizing the ceremony, which has been held in town, in some form, since 1931.
This year's ceremony takes place at the cenotaph located at Stan Clarke Park.
Folks are advised to arrive at 10:45 a.m. Parking will be blocked off around the cenotaph.
Organizers ask that pet owners please leave their pups at home for this important and solemn event.
The two minutes of silence is at 11 a.m.
Local Legion president Russ Robertson said that sometimes he gets feedback that the Squamish ceremony is quite short; he explained this is done out of respect for the men and women whom the event is meant to honour.
"We have people in our Colour Party who are in their 80s. I'm not having people stand there for three hours," he said. "I just want to make this more about Remembrance Day and make it about the people who served."
He noted that the ceremony is meant to bring people together—everyone is welcome.
"It's not a divisive day," he said.
"It's a very Canadian event. It's part of our culture. We've been doing it for over 100 years."
After the event, veterans and the public are invited to the Legion Diamond Head Lounge at 40194 Glenalder Place.
Poppy Campaign
In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, poppies are again for sale around town for a donation. Squamish Days Loggers Sports lent the local Legion its electronic Square payment system so folks can use their bank cards to purchase a poppy, if they prefer.
This year, the goal is to raise $25,000.
The Squamish Legion raised about $21,000 last year, $4,000 shy of their goal.
Wearing a poppy was adopted by the Royal Canadian Legion in 1921. Its symbolism is inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields", written by Canadian poet Lt.-Col. John McCrae.
According to the Royal Canadian Legion site, funds raised from the Poppy Campaign may be used for "grants for food, heating costs, clothing, prescription medication, medical appliances and equipment, essential home repairs and emergency shelter or assistance for veterans and their families in need."
Housing accommodation and care facilities for veterans can also be paid for with poppy funds.
Value our freedom
Robertson was born and raised in Squamish, graduating from Howe Sound Secondary in 1990.
He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in November of 1990 and retired in May of 2019.
Last year, he returned to his old high school to give a presentation to students about Remembrance Day.
"I’m very lucky to live in Canada. We have our problems to solve, but I’d rather have those than raise a family in a war zone," he told students, according to his presentation notes that he shared with The Squamish Chief.
He also told students to value their freedoms, and he hopes the broader public hears this message as well.
"There will be other wars, whether one likes that or not," he said. "History has also shown us endless examples of nations that grew complacent, complicit or allowed resentment to fester without open dialogue."
"The freedoms you enjoy today were earned by Canadians who served their nation; they fought and will continue to fight oppression and evil … Value your freedoms, never take them for granted, be Canadian and continue to earn them."
Robertson noted that one of his current advocacy roles as president is to push for the District of Squamish to plan for free parking for veterans if and when paid parking is implemented throughout town.
Other places, including Coquitlam, White Rock, and Vancouver, already allow veterans to park for free at metered parking spots.
Want to be a cadet?
For any youth interested in joining the 835 Griffin Squadron (Air Cadet Program), there will be an open house on Dec. 3 at École Squamish Elementary from 7 to 8 p.m.
