Dear Editor:
This is a heart-warming story – at least, it warmed my heart.
I have learned that in West Vancouver on Remembrance Day (Nov. 11), a senior citizen literally saved the solemnity and meaning of the day by stepping out into the traffic on Marine Drive in front of the [Memorial Arch near 19th Street] to force the West Vancouver police to stop the cars whizzing by on Marine.
He wanted to underscore the importance of the occasion and return the event to its traditional character.
The citizen was astonished that the municipality had not organized this.
The person was supported by others nearby and cheered on by many in the crowd. Sounds like brave thinking that reminded everyone, including the mayor, who was apparently there somewhere, how the ceremony should be structured.
I found this an important local news note.
Thanks for all the coverage you give to us all.
Robert Douglas Watt
City of North Vancouver
Editor's note: District of West Vancouver spokesperson Donna Powers provides the following response:
The District of West Vancouver understands and appreciates the importance of recognizing our veterans on Remembrance Day, and empathizes with the letter writer and others who were disappointed with the fact that the district did not hold a public Remembrance Day ceremony. The pandemic has, unfortunately, taken away so many opportunities for our community to gather safely over the last year and a half.
It is also important to prioritize the safety of our veterans, as they are a group most at risk of COVID-19. The decision to not hold a public ceremony this year was made at the request of the North Shore Veterans Council, who asked the public to stay home on Remembrance Day. You can read more about their request in the Nov. 3 edition of the North Shore News on page A4.
The District of West Vancouver is in alignment with the other North Shore municipalities in honouring the request of veterans to not hold public ceremonies.
In place of a public ceremony, the district held other programming and activities at the West Vancouver Memorial Library for residents to learn more about the importance of Remembrance Day, such as displays, video screenings of interviews with veterans, and craft supplies for creating cards for veterans.
The West Vancouver Legion pre-recorded a Remembrance Day ceremony and made it available on Youtube so members of the public could safely watch from home.
