On V-Day 1945, the front page of the The Vancouver Daily Province read "Victory comes to Vancouver."
The mayor at the time made a statement that said "each one will celebrate the end of the war in his or her own way, but I further suggest that our jubilation be tempered with the thought that there will be little joy in thousands of Vancouver homes where an only son, or several sons or other members of the family have given their lives to make V-Day possible.”
On November 11, 2022 thousands of Vancouverites will gather at ceremonies and events across the city to remember the individuals who fought in the First and Second World Wars.
These are where you can pay your respects in Vancouver this year.
Victory Square Remembrance Day Service
The first ceremony to take place at Victory Square was in 1924, making it the oldest Rememberance Day service in Vancouver. It's estimated by the city that over 15,000 participants attend the ceremony each year. It's organized by by the Vancouver Remembrance Day Committee, a civic volunteer group supported by the city, one of the only ones of its kind.
When: 9:45 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 200 West Hastings St.
Trout Lake Remembrance Day Event
Trout Lake Community Centre has arranged a morning of free family activities for the Remembrance Day Stat holiday. Families need to pre-register but there will be a bouncy castle, games, and arts and crafts for the kids.
When: 10:00 a.m. to noon
Where: 3360 Victoria Drive
UBC’s Remembrance Day Ceremony
UBC has been holding Remembrance Day ceremonies since the opening of the War Memorial Gym in 1951. There will be participation of both campuses (Vancouver and Okanagan) including readings and musical performances by UBC's School of Music. The event is open to members of the on and off-campus community.
When: Doors open and 10 a.m., ceremony begins at 10:45 a.m.
Where: 6081 University Blvd
Seaforth Highlanders Remembrance Day Service
The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Regimental Association are holding a ceremony at Seaforth Armoury Parade Square for members of the Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Royal Canadian Legion Br. 176. The service will be led by the new regimental chaplain and will include a piping of The Lament.
When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: 1650 Burrard St (Access parade square through the large blue doors fronting Burrard Street)
Remembrance Day at Mountain View Cemetery
Mountain View Cemetery is holding a different kind of Remembrance Day event called "Remembered Aloud." Over 12,000 veterans reportedly rest at the cemetery and this ceremony gathers 11 brass players and singers from three choirs (musica intima and The Vancouver Bach Choir, Vancouver Youth Choir) to perform Phrase of Remembrance and read out the names on hundreds of the grave sites.
"We invite all of you to join us in silent meditation as the music and performers move across the Field of Honour, and to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many," reads the event page.
The ceremony will start at 11 a.m. following 11 tolls of the bells and two minutes of silence.
When: 11 a.m.
Where: West of Fraser Street between 31st and 43rd avenues.
Japanese Canadian War Memorial
Veterans Affairs Canada, the National Association of Japanese Canadians, and the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre are hosting a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park though there will be no reception this year.
When: 10:40 a.m.
Where: Japanese Canadian War Memorial, Stanley Park
Christ Church Cathedral Remembrance Day Ceremony
On Friday, November 11 Christ Church Cathedral will hold a prayer service honouring fallen soldiers.
When: 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: 690 Burrard St
Chor Leoni Concert
Chor Leoni is once again holding their 31st annual Remembrance Day observance, We Sang Our Songs. There will be three performances, two on Remembrance Day, at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United. The music and readings feature perspectives on war and injustice. Tickets are available starting at $20.
When: November 10 at 7:30 p.m. and November 11 at 2 and 5 p.m.
Where: 1022 Nelson St
