The Cloverdale Legion will once again host the city’s main Remembrance Day service in Veterans’ Square on Nov. 11.
And the planning and prep for the ceremony is "almost finished," says Yvon Lehoux.
Lehoux, sergeant-at-arms for the Royal Canadian Legion’s Branch No. 6 in Cloverdale, said Remembrance Day is "a time to reflect on our freedoms.” He hopes many come out to show their support to all those who served their country—both those gone and those still alive.
“We pay respect to past veterans and the people who still serve,” he said, “We pay respect to those who paid the ultimate price. I think it’s a good time to reflect on national unity too.”
Lehoux said while preparations for Nov. 11 are still ongoing, several things have been confirmed.
He said the RCMP E Division Pipe Band will perform during the ceremony and Chris Ahen will bugle the Last Post and the Rouse.
He also said the Harvard Canadian War Birds will again do a fly past. Lehoux expects the War Birds to fly past Veterans’ Square sometime between 11 and 11:30 a.m.
As of now, 103-year old Richmond “Dick” Deck may return to lay a wreath on behalf of all prisoners of war. It’s not confirmed though. If he does, it’ll be his fourth year in a row laying a wreath in Cloverdale. Deck is a World War II airmen and former POW.
Lehoux also said the Surrey Police Service may bring their ceremonial rifle squad. He said the Legion and SPS are trying to hammer out the final details this week.
“If confirmed, they will do a ceremonial gun salute to the fallen,” noted Lehoux.
The Remembrance Day service in Cloverdale will have three stands set up this year, each one will be able to seat about 500 people. Lehoux said the Legion is expecting several thousand to attend.
“Depending on the weather, we are expecting up to 5,000 people,” he added.
After the ceremony, there will be a parade from Veterans’ Square to the Cloverdale Legion that will have about 500 marchers.
“Everyone is invited back to the Legion afterwards," Lehoux said. "We’ll have food and drink and lots of entertainment.”
CITY-WIDE SERVICES
Many Surrey residents will attend ceremonies across the city on Nov 11. Services will be held at:
Veterans’ Square
Cloverdale will host "Surrey Remembers," the city's main ceremony in Veterans’ Square. The event begins with a procession at 10 a.m. and a service at the Cloverdale Cenotaph beginning at 10:25 a.m. (17610 56A Avenue). The mayor and several councillors will attend and the ceremony will be live streamed on the Heritage Surrey Facebook page.
Surrey Centre Cemetery
Organized by the City of Surrey’s Cemetery Services Department, a Remembrance Day service will be held at the Surrey Centre Cemetery (16671 Old McLellan Road). Billed as a “family event,” the service will begin at 10:45 and activities will run until 1 p.m.
Whalley Legion
The Royal Canadian Legion in Whalley will host a ceremony with a procession beginning at 10:25 a.m. and a service beginning at 10:45 a.m. (10626 City Parkway).
Crescent Beach
The Remembrance Day service will be held at the Crescent Legion (2643 128th Street) with a procession beginning at 10 a.m. and a service beginning at 10:30 a.m.