Vancouver remembers at Victory Square

VANCOUVER (NEWS130) – Stories of courage and greatness were told at Victory Square in Vancouver today.

It’s one of several Remembrance Day ceremonies across the Lower Mainland.

The peaceful ceremony included a flyover by Canadian jets, a 21-gun salute, as well as a moment of silence for veterans.

“All the time and energy I spent there, making a better world for Canada and everyone else actually means something because everyone out here is supporting that,” says one man who fought in Afghanistan.

Ralph Jackson, who served in World War II, was among the veterans in attendance today. He stood solomnly, decorated with medals.

“My granddaughter, Megan, laid a wreath, and so did I,” he tells us.

“I’m really honoured to lay a wreath; I was representing one of his old friends that couldn’t be here today because he was ill. I was just really honoured,” he granddaughter tells us.

Many have brought their young ones out to the ceremony, hoping they will learn and never forget the sacrifices that have been made.

John brought his two-year-old daughter to the ceremony; he feels it’s important that she knows the history. “I think it’s good for them to learn, certainly at a young age, too.”

“It’s not necessarily celebrating a great event, but what it is is celebrating our veterans and the guys that are out there right now. I think it’s really important that this is a part of Canada, it’s a part of her upbringing, it’s a part of all of us here,” says John.

“My grandfather was in the armed forces over in Toronto,” he adds. “My grandpa was all about freedom and I think he he imparted anything on to me, it was ‘Make sure you stand up for that.'”