Remembrance Day is observed yearly as a statutory holiday to honour the sacrifices of those who served and died in the line of duty. It was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I at 11 am on November 11th, 1918.
Canadians observe silence at exactly the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to pay tribute to all veterans and to reflect on the human cost of conflict, ensuring that future generations remember the sacrifices made for peace and freedom.
The Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department facilitates a Remembrance Day gathering at the flagpole at Forbes Hall with the lowering of the Canadian flag to half-mast, followed immediately at exactly 11:00 o’clock with the Two Minutes of Silence. The laying of a flower by individuals as an act of remembrance follows. We then move inside the hall for the reading of In Flanders’ Fields, a short video by the Canadian Legion, and to share stories of remembrances.
We will be gathering outside of Forbes Hall on Tuesday by 10:45 in order to have the flag lowered at 11:00.
The Duncan Flying Club, with antique aircraft, will endeavour to do a fly-past over us at approximately 10:50.
All are welcome to attend.
If there is a Veteran available to read the Act of Remembrance after the Silence, please make yourself known to one of the volunteer fire fighters before the ceremony.
Act of Remembrance:
They were young, as we were young.
They served, giving freely of themselves.
To them, we pledge, amid the winds of time,
To carry their torch, and never forget.
We will remember them.
(All answer: We will remember them.)
Thetis Island Vol. Fire Dept.
