Vanderhoof is ready to hold its annual Remembrance Day service.
The Fraser Lake Legion covers the region of Vanderhoof as well as Fort St. James and will be continuing their long-standing tradition of commemorating Remembrance Day in Fraser Lake. They have been paying tribute to the sacrifices made during conflict every year since the inauguration of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 274 in Fraser Lake in the mid-1970s.
As treasurer Sheila Sanford explains, the Legion is dedicated to honouring Remembrance Day with the community.
“Even during COVID, our branch persisted and ensured that we maintained our community involvement in this important ceremony,” she said.
Captain Anita Wlasitz, commanding officer of 899 Vanderhoof Air Cadets, says the community pauses every year to pay respect and reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of veterans and serving military.
“In recent years with fewer veterans in many communities, it is more important than ever to take the time to honour and thank our veterans,” she said.
The local Vanderhoof service will be held at Nechako Valley Secondary School around 10:15 a.m., followed by an outdoor event at Ferland Park at 11 a.m. This event is organized by the 899 Air Cadet Squadron with support from Legion Branch 274.
There will also be a service in the Fraser Lake Elementary Secondary School gym, followed by the march to the cenotaph near the local library for the laying of the wreaths.
After the march and wreath laying, the community will make its way back to the local Legion for a light lunch and social gathering.
“The Remembrance Day ceremony brings our small community together to not only remember those who have died for us, but to celebrate the living and the freedom that they gave their lives for,” Sanford said.