Kelowna remembers

For the first time in two years, the City of Kelowna was able to hold a proper Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph at City Park.

In excess of a thousand people gathered in the cold to honour those who fought in the war, and those who continue to serve.

The event started with a parade featuring different organizations. The Colour Party started at Kerry Park and Abbot St. and finished at City Park.

“It was very satisfying to see people come back because for the last two years we hadn’t had the opportunity to have this remembrance,” Jim McCafferty of the Kelowna Legion Branch 26 said.

For McCafferty, the significance of Remembrance Day is simple: to continue celebrating those in the armed forces who fought overseas for Canadians, and Canada.

“It’s important to keep having these ceremonies to remember how we got here,” he said. “Had the Germans finished off the war, maybe we’d be speaking German today.”

Among those in the crowd was newly elected Mayor Tom Dyas. His father served in World War II as a bombardier and messenger and has just turned 102 years old.

Dyas said listening firsthand of his own father’s experience, makes every November 11th, both emotional and exciting.

“When he would share the stories of basically how he dealt with the war and how it changed his life. It’s amazing what these veterans go through,” he said. “Slowly over the years some of the stories have come out, but we cherish whenever he does [tell us] because it altered and changed their life to commit themselves to this country.

Dyas said seeing the appreciation from the community who attended was a special moment.

“I think the feeling that everyone felt here today just wanting to recognize those individuals who served our country in the past and serving our country at this time, was amazing,” he said.