Remembrance Day in Sorrento

By Alan Cook

This Remembrance Day, I will be presiding over my twelfth year of organizing and officiating the ceremony in Sorrento. It has been a privilege to be able to bring the community together on November 11th. Alas, the veterans who attend and we pay our respects to are now very few.

As we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice those many years ago, we must also show our respect to those who have served to give us the freedom that we enjoy today. Those who have given their oath to serve this country, and those like myself, from other countries, who now proudly call Canada their home.

There have been many conflicts over the past decades that have involved Canadian forces that should be recognised and remembered on November 11th. I would, therefore, request that any retired or serving member of our armed forces or RCMP, please attend the ceremony in Sorrento and be recognised by marching on with the Colours. We need to keep honouring those who have served this great country wherever they have served.

Those attending the ceremony at the Sorrento Community Hall on Passchendaele Road should be seated by 10:40 am and those wishing to lay a wreath on behalf of an organization or as an individual should contact Alan Cook at 250-463-4897 (please leave a message) to have their names included.

Following the ceremony, the wreaths laid during the ceremony will be paraded across the highway to the Cenotaph located in front of St. Mary’s church.

Refreshments will be served after the ceremony and the laying of the wreaths at the Drop In Society at the lower level of the Community Hall. If you can help with donations of refreshments please contact Brett Bradstock at 250-515-1170. Any contributions (squares, cookies, baked goods etc.) should be taken to the Drop In Society on November 10. Appreciation is guaranteed.