The Dallas Square Park Cenotaph on Church St. in Nanaimo will once again be the sight of the formal Remembrance Day ceremonies starting around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

lest we forget

Remembrance Day 2023: Where to pay tribute across the region

Nov 11, 2023 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — It’s a time to pause and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Thousands across central Vancouver Island and Canada are gathering at Legions, Cenotaphs, and other public events to pay tribute to military personnel who served and are still serving our country, in honour of Remembrance Day.

A large number of people are expected in downtown Nanaimo at Dallas Square Cenotaph, located at 85 Church St., for the formal ceremony which starts around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. For those unable to make it, NanaimoNewsNOW live streamed the service.

Members from the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 205 Collishaw Squadron have been standing guard at the Cenotaph since Friday at 5 p.m., which they’ll complete prior to the official ceremony.

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Road closures impacting portions of Commercial, Skinner, Chapel, Bastion, Church and Front streets will be in effect.

NanaimoNewsNOW compiled a list of Remembrance Day events hosted by local Royal Canadian Legions, all of which are open to the public.

Nanaimo- Dallas Square Park Cenotaph (Church St.)

• 10-11:30 a.m. – Personnel from His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Nanaimo. The parade will assemble on Chapel St., and then march to the Dallas Square Park Cenotaph with an accompanying band.
• 10:45 a.m.- Official ceremony at Cenotaph starts.
• The ceremony includes the National Anthem, a gun salute, The Last Post, a moment of silence, and the laying of the wreaths.

Nanaimo – Legion 256 (East Wellington Rd.)

• 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Branch 256 open house, everyone welcome. The bar opens at noon.
• 7-8:30 a.m. – Pancake, sausage, and eggs breakfast in the lounge.
• Branch service in the Hall – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., includes laying of the wreaths.
• 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. – live broadcast of downtown service and parade.
• Noon- 3 p.m. – Beef on a bun lunch provided by Save-On-Foods.
• Noon – 3 p.m. – Entertainment in the hall provided by the Ceili Band.
• 4-7 p.m. – Entertainment in the lounge provided by Country Band.

Nanaimo – Legion 10 (Harewood Rd.)

• 10:00 a.m. – Doors open for the live TV broadcast of the Remembrance Day Service for those who cannot attend at the Cenotaph, and will remain open all day long.
• Lounge service is open to the general public, with food being served all afternoon and live music from 1-10 p.m.

Lantzville – Legion 257 (Lantzville Rd.)

• 10:30 a.m. – Parade from Lantzville Legion to Huddlestone Park.
• 10:45 a.m. – Remembrance service at Huddlestone Park Cenotaph.
• 11:00 a.m. – Moment of silence.
• Noon – Hot dogs at Costlin Hall for the children. Soup and buns at the Lantzville Legion plus entertainment. (supplied by Save-On-Foods).
• 4:30 p.m. – Roast beef dinner at Lantzville Legion.

Ladysmith – Legion 171 (1st Ave.)

• 10:45 to 10:55 a.m. — March from the legion to the Rotary Memorial Peace Garden & Cenotaph at the base of Warren St.
• 11-11:30 a.m. – Ceremony at Ladysmith Cenotaph, which includes wreath-laying.
• 11:30 a.m. to about 6 p.m. — Social gathering at the Legion where complimentary sandwiches will be served. The lounge will be open for beverages. The upstairs hall will be open for socializing.
• 1st Ave. will be temporarily closed for vehicular traffic between High St. and Warren St. from 10:30 a.m. To 11:30 a.m. To ensure safety for the parade to the Cenotaph
• One southbound lane on the Trans-Canada Hwy. near the Cenotaph will be closed from about 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Parksville – Legion 49 (Hirst Ave W)

• Gathering behind Parksville City Hall where veterans will march to Cenotaph (100 Jensen Ave E, behind City Hall ).
• 10:30 a.m. – Parade gathers at the lower parking lot near Cenotaph.
• 10:45 a.m. – parade begins.
• 11:01 a.m. – Aircraft fly past.
• Following the ceremony, lunch at the Legion Branch 49.
• Kids are invited to the Salvation Army Mt. Arrowsmith Church for hot dogs. Adults can head to the Legion for a lunch supplied by Save-On-Foods.

Qualicum Beach – Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (747 Jones St.)

• 10:15 a.m. – Anyone wishing to march in the parade can meet in the parking lot at the corner of Primrose St. and Fern Rd.
• 10:30 a.m. – Courtesy bus for Veterans not able to march leaves from the Legion to Civic Centre.
• 10:45 a.m. – Parade route from the corner of Primrose St. along Fern Rd. to the Civic Centre on Jones St.
• 11:00 a.m. – Remembrance Day Ceremony with reserved seating for veterans followed by a parade from the Civic Centre to the Legion.
• 12:30 p.m.- The public is invited to Branch 76 at 180 Veterans Way for a reception.

Bowser – Legion 211 (Island Hwy. West)

• 10:15 a.m. – Parade forms in Magnolia Court parking lot
• 10:40 a.m. – Parade marches to the Legion Cenotaph
• 10:50 a.m. – Honour Guard in place at the Cenotaph. Everyone finds their place for the service.
• 10:55 a.m. – The event begins with a welcome by president Norm Anderson.
• Legion Branch 211 will be serving refreshments in the Legion Hall following the service. All are welcome.

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