No political speeches at Squamish's Remembrance ceremony. Here's why

Why no political speeches

Russ Robertson, president of the Diamond Head Branch 277 Squamish Legion, says the ceremony should not be political. He sees it as a simple way to honour people who served, including those who died and those who came home still living with what they went through. "We get one day," he said.

As a veteran, he said he is not encouraging speeches, because hearing a politician say something inaccurate is hard to sit through. Politicians are still welcome to attend, shake hands and lay a wreath. Robertson has also worked to keep the ceremony short, at about 15 to 20 minutes.

The Squamish Chief reported the details. Robertson said many people will likely be thinking of the soldiers killed and injured in a fire during training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta, on October 17.

Where and when

• Date: Wednesday, November 11
• Start: just before 11 a.m.; arrive about 15 minutes early
• Place: Squamish Cenotaph, Stan Clarke Park, 1361 Main Street, downtown
• Road closure: Cleveland Avenue between Victoria and Main Streets, for a few hours
• Dogs: please do not bring them, unless they are authorized service dogs
• Wreaths: for sale through the Legion website, squamishlegion.ca
• After the ceremony: everyone is invited to the Legion at 40194 Glenalder Place. Robertson says you do not need to be a veteran to visit.

Poppies

• Poppies are available around town, including at Walmart, Save On Foods and Sunflower Bakery and Cafe.
• The Legion asks that they be worn on the left side, over the heart, without a pin that covers the poppy.
• Right after the ceremony, you can take off your poppy and place it on the cenotaph.
• Ed Robertson runs the poppy campaign, and treasurer Kella Tourand handles payments.

Who makes it happen

• Jeremy Purdy plays the bugle.
• Rick Smith is the emcee.
• Angus Hilsley is parade sergeant at arms, now for three years.
• A colour party of seniors carries the Legion's flags.
• The 835 Griffin Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron takes part.
• Erik Yaremkewich organizes the flyover.
• Angela Woods volunteers on food service at the Legion.

Facts of note

• The cenotaph honours those who died in 1914 to 1918 and 1939 to 1945. A second plaque for the Korean War was added later.
• Veteran banners are up downtown again, installed by Alta Lake Electric Ltd.
• The District of Squamish will fly the Lest We Forget poppy flag on Municipal Hall during Remembrance week.
• Legion membership grew from about 190 to 500 over the last year.