Cadets from the local Nanaimo squadron stand guard at the Cenotaph in downtown Nanaimo on Thursday, Nov. 10, beginning a 24-hour vigil at the site. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

lest we forget

Nanaimo cadets on guard for 24-hour vigil at downtown Cenotaph

Nov 10, 2022 | 3:18 PM

NANAIMO — They’re standing for those who served and for those who never made it home.

Members from Royal Canadian Air Cadets ​​​​​​​205 Collishaw Squadron began a planned 24-hour vigil at the Nanaimo Cenotaph at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10 and will stand guard until just before Remembrance Day services begin Friday.

Commanding officer Capt. David Ruel told NanaimoNewsNOW in addition to paying respects to those who served, the exercise is about ensuring war time sacrifices are not forgotten.

“Just to help them with understanding, give them that…thought process. When they’re on duty we tell them to think about why you’re able to be here and do this, what was given up for your freedoms, those that lost their lives.”

Cadets will rotate in shifts of around 45 minutes, although Ruel said they’ll shorten the time spent outside as the temperature drops overnight. Those not on duty are staging at the nearby Dorchester Hotel.

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Around 60 cadets are expected to take part in the 24-hour exercise at Dallas Square Park on Church St.

“The primary reserve, the guard that takes over for the main ceremony, they’ll do a change of guard probably around 10:45 a.m. (Friday, Nov. 11) and then cadets will go and fall in for the march up for the ceremonies.”

Ruel said countless local groups and businesses are helping them out with places to warm up, food, lights and other services.

Both the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo RCMP will be in the area to ensure participant safety.

It’s just the second time Ruel is aware of where local cadets have set out for a 24 hour vigil around the Cenotaph.

The first occurred in 2019, but was unable to be replicated in subsequent years.

A public candlelit vigil will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursday night with a number of speakers.

Guards will rotate every 20-45 minutes depending on the weather for 24 hours ahead of the Remembrance Day service on Friday, Nov. 11. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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