The Seymour area is a serene place to stop and reflect on Remembrance Day.
It’s a chance to thank those who have fought for our freedom and made the ultimate sacrifice. The message is especially poignant this Nov. 11, which marks the 100th anniversary of armistice.
In Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen, a special Remembrance Day ceremony has taken place every year for decades, with many residents paying their respects on shore and at sea.
Today, there is a permanent war memorial in Cates Park that honours the service of veterans.
Remembrance in Jade was crafted by Canadian artist Michael Binkley, from a boulder inscribed with an epitaph and maple leaf on its smooth side – a bold tribute for brave soldiers.
The Cove resident who came up with the idea for a memorial in our area is a regular attendee at the Cates Park Remembrance Day ceremony, which is organized and presided over by the Lynn Valley Legion and Burrard Yacht Club.
After years of watching local residents who had come to pay their respects stand aimlessly every Nov. 11, this gentleman, who prefers to remain anonymous, created a focal point for our remembering.
“While I am gratified to have been associated with the memorial’s creation, I feel that any recognition of it should be directed to the fallen and veterans it honours, not me,” he says.
The least we can do is show our support.
We suggest you join us in taking a break from smartphones and other distractions for an hour on Nov. 11, to reflect on what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice for your country. ■
