New Westminster residents can pay their respects to those who have fought for freedom at two Remembrance Day ceremonies in the city.
The Royal Westminster Regiment’s annual memorial service takes place at the Armoury on Monday, Nov. 11. Doors open at 9 a.m., followed by a slide show and The Band of the Royal Westminster Regiment performing a selection of military music from the First and Second World Wars. The service, which includes speeches, hymns and music, starts at 9:45 a.m. and ends with attendees marching down Sixth Street to the cenotaph in front of city hall.
The Royal Westminster Regiment’s service fills up quickly, so people are advised to arrive early. The Armoury is wheelchair accessible.
“A traditional memorial service to remember our fallen has been held in the Armoury since the end of World War One and has continued annually for over a century. I encourage everyone to attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour the men and women who have so valiantly served in times of war, military conflict and peace, many of who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Col. Karen Baker-MacGrotty, honorary colonel of The Royal Westminster Regiment. “Their dedication and personal sacrifices allow us to live in peace and freedom today. Lest we forget.”
The City of New Westminster’s outdoor service, which begins at 10:30 a.m. at the cenotaph, will acknowledge and commemorate the experiences and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the wars. The ceremony includes the laying of wreaths on the cenotaph.
At 11 a.m., there will be a two-minute silence to remember those who lost their lives in conflict. It’s done at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 to coincide with the time in 1918 that the First World War ended.
All members of the public are invited to attend both ceremonies. The Royal Westminster Regiment is located at 530 Queens Ave. and New Westminster City Hall is at 511 Royal Ave.
From 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Remembrance Day, the city will be closing Royal Avenue (from McBride Boulevard to Eighth Street) and Sixth Street (from Third Avenue to Cunningham Street). Access to Pattullo Bridge from Royal Avenue will also be closed during this time.
