Prince George’s Remembrance Day ceremony well attended in 2023

There was a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd behind city hall this morning, but not a single one could be heard at 11:00.

An estimated crowd of well over 1,000 gathered to remember, mourn, and give thanks this November 11th as Prince George’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony took place at the cenotaph.

The ceremony included two minutes of silence at 11:00, a fly-over from the Prince George Flying Club, traditional drumming from the UHNBC Drummers, wreath laying, prayer, bagpipes, trumpets, and drummers, and more.

City Councillor Susan Scott was the event’s MC, and many elected officials from all three levels of government were present to pay their respects.

“They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old,” Scott said. “Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

“In a world filled with violence and war, we gather together to celebrate the promise of peace,” another speaker said. “In a world filled with tyranny and oppression, we gather together to celebrate the promise of justice for all.  In a world filled with hunger and greed, we gather together to celebrate the promise of plenty for all.”

“Their bodies are buried in peace, but their names live forever more.”

“In the time of the turmoil we are facing around the world today, I cannot emphasize the importance that we as citizens show up to put our support behind our army forces and veterans,” Mayor Simon Yu told My PG Now after the ceremony.

“[They] put their lives on the line for us to keep us safe, to safeguard our way of life and democracy. I am so glad the citizens of Prince George showed up in big numbers,” he said.

One citizen that stepped up in a big way was an anonymous donor that donated $18,000 to the Legion for the ceremony when funds were running short.

“It brings a tear to my eyes,” Yu said. “To make sure the veterans get the necessary support to organize this event… the veterans need our support to make November 11th happen year after year. Only when we remember our fallen soldiers do their spirits live on.”

Lest we forget.