Remembrance Day observances in South Okanagan

PENTICTON – Remembrance Day observances are being held in most South Okanagan and Similkameen communities this Sunday.

In Penticton, the ceremonies to honour the nation's war veterans are being held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Sunday, Nov. 11.

The doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the public is asked to be seated by 10:15 a.m., for the service which will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Prior to the service, veterans will march from the Penticton Curling Club to the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. The parade starts at 10 a.m. The service is organized by the Penticton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The Penticton Fire Department, in conjunction with local army and air cadets are presenting a Remembrance Day service at Veterans Park in the 100 block of Main Street in Penticton. Organizer Graham Gowe says the service should get underway at 10:40 a.m. and lasts roughly a half hour, at the park Cenotaph.

In Summerland, the Royal Canadian Legion will hold its annual Remembrance Day service in Memorial Park with a procession to the Cenotaph at 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Summerland Museum will open its doors following the ceremonies in Memorial Park.

As well, Summerland Museum guest curator Paul Randall has put together a First World War exhibit entitled Summerland remembers the defenders of the Empire. The museum will be open from noon until 2 p.m. and admission is by donation.

In Naramata, the Naramata Community Church will be holding a small service from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the church before moving to the community's cenotaph in Manitou Park for Remembrance Day observances.

In Okanagan Falls, the parade detail begins forming at 10 a.m. at the community centre in time for parade to the legion at 11 a.m. for service and laying of wreaths. The Okanagan Falls branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is then open to all to eat, chat and listen to music.

In Oliver, an interdenominational service begins at the Community Centre at 9:45 a.m., followed by the parade to the Cenotaph at 10:40 a.m. The service begins at 11 a.m. followed by the wreath laying ceremony and a march back to the Legion hall at 11:40 a.m. The Legion hall is open to the public for refreshments afterward. A free family movie follows at 2 p.m. at the Oliver Theatre.

Remembrance Day services in Osoyoos take place at the Sonora Community Centre. Doors open at 10 a.m. with dignitaries laying wreaths at the Cenotaph at 8711 Main St. directly after the ceremony at the Sonora Community Centre, which begins at 10:45 a.m.

In Keremeos, the parade departs from the Royal Canadian Legion on Veterans Way at 10:45 a.m. Following the ceremony, the public is invited back to the legion for a hot lunch and refreshments. Refreshments for youth will be available at the Elks Hall, next door to the Legion branch.

In Hedley, observers gather at the senior’s centre at 10:30 a.m. and walk up Scott Avenue to the Cenotaph for Remembrance Day services. Afterwards, the senior’s centre opens to the public for coffee and sandwiches.

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