Local cadets will be holding a 24-hour vigil at Dallas Square Cenotaph on Church St. in downtown Nanaimo (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

We won't forget

Cadets pay respects with 24-hour vigil at Nanaimo cenotaph

Nov 10, 2025 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — Sacrifices made by thousands of people to preserve our freedoms is behind an extended honour guard at Nanaimo’s Dallas Square Cenotaph.

Members from 205 Collishaw Royal Canadian air and sea cadets will begin a 24-hour straight honour guard surrounding the Church St. war memorial on Monday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.

Dave Ruel, commanding officer of the squadron’s air cadets, said over 40 cadets between 12 and 18-years-old are signed up, with as many as 50 to 60 expected to participate for the extended event.

“This is to honour those that have served, that still serve even today. This is also for RCMP, fire, ambulance, and protective services,” Ruel told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Cadets stand guard in 15 to 20 minute-long shifts beneath the 14-foot high granite monument, Ruel said.

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The spectacle began in 2019, was interrupted by COVID-19 health restrictions, and has run consecutively since 2022.

Ruel said the around-the-clock vigil is well supported by both Nanaimo’s legions, as well as neighbouring St. Paul’s Anglican Church, which serves as a staging ground where cadets can take breaks.

He said the honour guard left a local war veteran in tears last year, who was highly appreciative of the region’s youth backing the initiative.

In years past past people made unsolicited late-night hot chocolate deliveries to show their appreciation.

Ruel said senior cadets take leadership role in organizing the honour guard, including scheduling staff and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

“I have a lot of pride in watching them learn as well as lead all of the other cadets get this done, it’s an amazing experience.”

While inclement weather could briefly interrupt the honour guard, Ruel said it’s their intention to have a continuous presence around the cenotaph.

“Fingers crossed the weather is fairly decent for us overnight — wind or rain, we’ll still be out there.”

A candlelight vigil takes place on Monday evening at 6 p.m., which Ruel said the public is more than welcome to attend.

The honour guard will break away minutes before the highly attended formal Remembrance Day ceremony begins.

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