Around 1,000 people attended a Remembrance Day service in downtown Nanaimo on Saturday. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

lest we forget

‘The debt of gratitude we owe them:’ Nanaimo honours fallen soldiers on Remembrance Day

Nov 11, 2023 | 11:53 AM

NANAIMO — Under the backdrop of ongoing conflict around the world, around 1,000 people gathered downtown to show we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Remembrance Day services were held across the mid-Island Saturday, Nov. 11, honouring fallen soldiers from past conflicts and recognizing those who continue to serve.

Seventy-eight years removed from the last global conflict but still in the light of ongoing fighting around the world, this year’s solemn ceremony at the Cenotaph in Nanaimo recognized local soldiers who never made it home.

“On this day we come together to honour the memory of our fallen heroes, recognizing the debt of gratitude we owe them, their bravery and sacrifices and their unyielding dedication to the greater good serve as a guiding light for us, inspiring in us a sense of duty and responsibility,” Chaplain Cheryl Pedley told the crowd.

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She added Remembrance Day is an occasion to celebrate unwavering spirit, and reflect on resilience and unity, but also a day to remember and listen.

“We also pledge to ensure the sacrifices of our heroes are not in vain. Their legacy continues to live on in our actions, in our endeavours.”

A gun salute by the Nanaimo waterfront was conducted by the 5th B.C. Field Regiment, followed by Julia Howe’s rendition of the Last Post.

Immediately after, the crowd paused for two minutes of silence eventually broken by Pipe Major William Alderson’s Lament and Howe performing the traditional Rouse.

Pedley gave the Act of Remembrance.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,” she began. “Age shall not weary then, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Invited guests laid wreaths at the base of the Cenotaph before the final blessing from Pedley, a rendition of God Save the King and a final march past and salute.

Victor Osborne, born on this day in 1918, celebrated his birthday at the Nanaimo Remembrance Day service. Osborne served in multiple conflicts, including the Second World War. Here he’s seen speaking with MLA for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Sheila Malcolmson. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Despite the sombre nature of the Remembrance Day service, the program began on a lighter note.

Led by singer Amy Swanson, the gathered crowd sang Happy Birthday to 105-year-old Victor Osborne, born Nov. 11, 1918, the day of the Armistice signing to end the First World War.

Osborne has been a fixture at the Nanaimo service for years, celebrated for his service and longevity.

Osbourne first served on a submarine in the Spanish Civil War shortly before World War Two broke out. For the entirety of the war he was confined to a submarine.

Once the war ended he worked in Fisheries Protection.

Acknowledgement and ceremony at the Cenotaph began Friday, Nov. 10 as cadets from Royal Canadian Air Cadets ​​​​​​​205 Collishaw Squadron began taking their posts on rotating shifts around the monument at 5 p.m.

They remained overnight until they were relieved immediately prior to Saturday’s service.

Local cadets stood guard around the Cenotaph prior to Saturday’s service, including braving wind, rain and chilly temperatures overnight. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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