On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we reflect on the day the guns fell silent in 1918, marking the end of the First World War, and to honour the sacrifices made by Canadian men and women of many different cultures.
This day is a commitment that we will not forget those who have died in battle, and those whose lives have been forever changed by war, including families who lost grandparents, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbours.
Remembrance Day is a bridge between generations, between our elders who hold our history and youth who hold the future. It is a vital connection to the past, to ensure a peaceful future. Lest we forget.
Led by a local Scout group
Join the 7th Juan de Fuca Scouts at the Colwood Cenotaph in the Garry Oak grove outside the Juan de Fuca arena.
The Scouts will march from John Stubbs School to the cenotaph for a small ceremony at approximately 10:45 am with a moment of silence at 11:00 am.
7th Juan de Fuca Scout Leader Mike Tennisco and his scouts have been leading this event at the Colwood Cenotaph since 2005.
About the Colwood Cenotaph
The Colwood Cenotaph stands in the small Garry Oak grove outside the Juan de Fuca Arena on Island Highway.
It's an important touchstone to Colwood's history. It marks the location where a Bofors gun was installed in 1942 to protect Esquimalt Harbour after a submarine shelled the Estevan Point Lighthouse north of Tofino.
At that time the land where the arena and recreation centre now sits was the Colwood Horse Racing Track, but it, along with Fort Rodd Hill, became an important defense position.
The war ended in 1945, and by 1956 all artillery was removed from this location and Fort Rodd Hill. The Cenotaph was built in 1974. It was dedicated in 1975 by members of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Source: Colwood Chronicles, book of Colwood's history
Remembrance Day at Royal Roads University
The Royal Roads and the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club traditionally honours Remembrance Day on the Castle Terrace Lawn outside Hatley Castle.
Remembrance Day at Veterans Memorial Park in Langford
Langford Legion Branch #91 traditionally honours Remembrance Day at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Langford.