Crowds gathered at cenotaphs from Nanaimo to the Cowichan Valley on Monday to honour those who gave their lives in Canada’s wars.
Ceremonies were held in Nanaimo, Chemainus, Lake Cowichan and Duncan, where families, veterans and community members gathered to pay their respects.
Second World War veteran George Brewster, 102, recalled his days flying Spitfires with 416 Squadron during the war. He said he answered the call of duty not because he wanted to, but because “it’s what needed to be done.”
“People needed to be helped,” he said. “Everything was being taken from them, and I felt people had to help each other. If it means fighting or dying, that’s it — you do it.”
Photo credit: Justin Baumgardner, VistaRadio
Speaking in Duncan, Brewster said seeing the turnout was deeply moving.
“It means so much, and I’m touched,” he said. “Such wonderful people have come to pay homage to those who gave their lives and aren’t here any longer. The people who fell did what they had to do, and it helped end the war.”
Brewster said he hopes future generations remember that unity is stronger than conflict.
“We’re Canadians, and together we can do wonderful things,” he said. “Together we stand united as Canadians, and I am so proud to be one.”
Ceremonies across the region included veterans’ groups, military personnel, service clubs, first responders and local dignitaries.
