Maple Ridge is a community with a proud Remembrance Day tradition.
Each year on Nov. 11, Memorial Peace Park in downtown Maple Ridge is filled for the ceremony at the cenotaph. Some years as many as 6,000 attend.
It is the local observance of nation-wide tradition on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, as Canadians pay respects to those who have fallen, those who have served, and those who still serve in the armed forces.
In Maple Ridge, the Remembrance Day ceremonies start at 10:30 a.m. with a parade that begins outside the Royal Canadian Legion, on 224th Street, at Brown Avenue. Legion Branch 88 is one of the largest in Canada with more than 2,000 members, and the Legion Colour Party leads a procession to the cenotaph.
The legion marchers are joined by a pipe band, veterans, cadets, RCMP officers in red serge, Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue members, and children from local Scouting organizations.
In front of the legion this year, is a new Remembrance Crosswalk, with a kneeling soldier and large red letters and the words “Lest We Forget” – the iconic phrase that reminds us to remember and honour those who have died for their country, and in defence of freedom.
The commemorative crosswalk came after requests from community members, and was painted overnight on Aug. 27, to honour veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. More cities are installing these crosswalks, and the city made a commitment to have it done in advance of Nov. 11
“This crosswalk serves as a visible and daily reminder of the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our country,” said Ruimy when it was unveiled. “By honouring our veterans in this meaningful way, we are expressing our gratitude and deep respect while strengthening the ties between our history, our community, and our future.”
Mayor Dan Ruimy said the city consulted both the local Legion and the national headquarters, or Dominion Command, about the design, and said everyone was very happy with the finished product.
“It’s one more thing that we can do as a city, to build pride in our community,” said the mayor.
The official ceremony begins at 11 a.m. The national anthem will be sung.
The roll call is called out, which is the listing of names of local people who have died in wars.
There is a moment of silence.
A bugler will play the “Rouse,” and a piper will play “Lament,” and there will be a reading of the poem “In Flanders Fields,” by Canadian poet John McCrae.
The laying of the wreaths at the cenotaph will follow, with representatives from governments of all levels, representatives of the Legion, armed forces, and others all paying their respects.
A road closure and detour will be in place to accommodate the Remembrance Day parade and ceremony. This detour will be in effect from 9:15 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Motorists are directed to follow detour signs in order to avoid traffic delays.
City hall recommends the people attending the ceremonies either walk or use transit to get to the event.