Editorial: Remembrance Day's Past, Present and Future
Your presence at Tuesday's ceremonies matters because remembrance is an active participation, not a passive act.
As Remembrance Day approaches in Prince George, it is crucial to fill every seat at the Civic Centre. Remembrance goes beyond looking back; it is about being present and engaged.
Although Canadian troops have not been in active combat zones for several years, the military continues to play a critical role in supporting global peace, security, and stability. The men and women in uniform—from the Rocky Mountain Rangers to Canadians deployed overseas—deserve ongoing recognition and support, not only on November 11.
In past years, the Civic Centre was packed, and streets were lined with thousands attending ceremonies. Craig Douglass, the six-year emcee of the city’s Remembrance Day events and an executive member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43, has observed a steady decline in attendance.
This change began during the pandemic when live gatherings were replaced by pre-recorded and streamed ceremonies. Although local TV coverage lets residents watch from home, Douglass emphasizes the difference in experience.
“There’s something about being there and that moment of silence where there’s a thousand people around you and it’s just dead quiet,”
Craig Douglass
Maintaining the tradition of communal remembrance preserves its unique emotional impact and honors those who serve.
Author's summary: Active participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies is vital to honoring military service and preserving a shared moment of collective respect and silence.