iN VIDEO: Thousands gather for Kelowna’s Remembrance Day ceremony
Thousands gathered in downtown Kelowna this morning for what may have been the most well-attended Remembrance Day ceremony in the city’s history.
Roughly 2,500 people stood in -4 C weather to honour veterans at the City Park cenotaph. The cenotaph bears the names of Kelowna veterans who fought in the First, Second and Korean Wars.
A parade began at roughly 10:30 a.m. from Stuart Park along Bernard Avenue before travelling along Abbott Street and arriving at City Park. The ceremony commenced at 11 a.m. and included a moment of silence for fallen veterans.
“This is one of the largest crowds we’ve ever had,” said Dick Fletcher, one of the last remaining Second World War veterans of Kelowna.
The former Queen Elizabeth II was also honoured during the ceremony with the playing of the British Anthem "God Save the King."
A significant number of police personnel and vehicles surrounded the perimeter during the ceremony.
Police bolstered security this year after last year’s private event was interrupted by those protesting COVID-19 mandates. A woman was later charged with disturbing order or solemnity of a meeting. Her next court appeared is scheduled for Nov. 14.
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