DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Residents will gather Wednesday morning to honour Canada’s veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony in Dawson Creek.
The ceremony will be held at Unchagah Hall inside South Peace Secondary School, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m.
Organizers say the event will include opening remarks, an Act of Remembrance, a moment of silence at 11 a.m., a wreath and poppy tribute, and closing remarks.
The event is organized by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 141 and serves as an opportunity for the community to come together in gratitude and remembrance for veterans, fallen soldiers, and all those who have served Canada.
Long Tradition of Remembrance
Remembrance Day ceremonies have long been a cornerstone event in Dawson Creek, bringing together veterans, military families, students, first responders, elected officials and residents to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of Canada’s Armed Forces.
The city’s cenotaph has also played a significant role in those commemorations over the decades.
Erected in 1959 in memory of veterans from the First and Second World Wars, the memorial has served as the site of numerous important ceremonies and gatherings, including Remembrance Day services and other community commemorations.
Cenotaph Revitalization Project
As the community gathers to remember veterans this year, work is continuing behind the scenes on a major revitalization of the Dawson Creek Cenotaph.
The Dawson Creek Cenotaph Revitalization Project aims to renew and enhance the memorial site located adjacent to City Hall while preserving its significance as a place of remembrance for local veterans who died in overseas conflicts.
The project remains in the concept development and community engagement phase.
The Cenotaph Revitalization Committee has completed a draft site concept plan and continues community engagement, veteran name research, and preliminary planning for a future cenotaph design.
Community members will have opportunities to review the draft concept and provide feedback on veterans’ names that may be included on the renewed memorial.
Plans for Accessibility and Education
Proposed features being explored include an accessible concrete gathering plaza, new seating areas, additional trees and landscaping, new flag poles, improved pathways and accessibility connections, along with memorial and interpretive elements that would help share the stories of local veterans.
The concept also includes infrastructure to support ceremonies and events, with plans for a plaza large enough to accommodate approximately 150 standing participants or 100 seated attendees.
Committee members are also researching veterans who may be eligible for inclusion on the renewed memorial, using sources such as the Books of Remembrance, the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, historical records and community submissions.
Residents are being encouraged to help identify veterans who may have been overlooked.
The revitalization project is being supported by the City of Dawson Creek and the Peace River Regional District, with additional funding opportunities continuing to be explored as planning moves forward.
Wednesday’s ceremony comes as the community continues both to remember those who served in the past and to shape how future generations will reflect on that sacrifice through the renewal of one of Dawson Creek’s most significant memorials.