On Remembrance Day this Friday, veterans will once again take part in a march to the cenotaph.
World War II and Korean War veterans, peacekeeping groups, and members from the Abbotsford Royal Canadian Legion, will march along the route heading west on Simon Avenue, across Trethewey Street and onto Veterans Way.
Local police, firefighters, and air and army cadets will also participate in the parade.
Arriving at the cenotaph at the 11th hour, the crowd will stop in silence for two minutes, after which a cadet will play the famous “Last Post.”
The bugle call was named after a poem that describes a soldier’s funeral during WWI and was written by Robert Graves.
It was also performed in battle as a signal to soldiers who were separated or wandering that the fighting was over, and to follow the sound back to safety.
Names of fallen soldiers from within the Abbotsford area will be read aloud by master of ceremonies Donald Stevenson.
Ann Bason of Abbotsford has been named the Silver Cross Mother. Her husband Gary will lay a wreath in honour of their son, Master Cpl. Colin Bason, killed in Afghanistan in 2007.
The ceremony will continue with various organizations and members of government laying wreaths.
Those wishing to attend are encouraged to arrive at the cenotaph by 10:30 a.m. Parking will be available at the Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way.
After the event, the Abbotsford Legion at 2513 West Railway St. will offer refreshments to those over the age of 19.
At the Reach Museum and Gallery on Veterans Way, hot chocolate, coffee and tea will be provided for all ages.
Poppies, worn in remembrance of those who gave their lives in war, are available at shopping centres and numerous other locations around Abbotsford.
The donations raised are in support of veterans, their families and widows.
“If we forget the sacrifices of these people, the thousands of lives that were given and the hundreds of thousands of men that went to war, our nation will be the poorer,” said Art Turnbull, legion chaplain.