Thornhill to commemorate veterans with Remembrance Day event at local gun club
Thornhill's Remembrance Day event offers a local, intimate alternative to the Terrace ceremony, celebrating and remembering the sacrifices of veterans
This Saturday, the Terrace Rod & Gun Club in Thornhill will be the site of a poignant Remembrance Day event, starting at 10:30 a.m., to honour the sacrifices made by veterans. This ceremony, only in its second year, offers a local alternative to the larger Terrace Remembrance Day event.
Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine Thornhill Director Ted Ramsey, who also serves as a member of the Canadian military, initiated the event last year. He emphasized that the goal is to provide Thornhill residents with a choice to commemorate veterans' sacrifices within their community.
“I don't want to get into the politics of Terrace,” Ramsey stated. “This is about giving Thornhill a way to remember, in a more intimate setting.”
The event will observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m., marking the time when guns fell silent at the end of World War I. Ramsey expressed hopes that this gathering would grow into an annual tradition, yet remain focused on its intimate nature.
In attendance will be members of the Thornhill Fire Department, contributing to the community spirit of the event. A significant highlight will be a prayer led by Arnie Miller, adding a solemn and reflective tone to the proceedings.
Ramsey, who has been awarded several military honours, underscored the importance of remembrance, saying, "We need to remember our history and learn from it."
“We live in a free, democratic society today because of the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers and the veterans that have served our great country,” Ramsey said. “It's time to celebrate and commemorate them.”
The event is open and free to all, reflecting the community's commitment to inclusivity and respect for veterans. As Ramsey puts it, “We shall remember is a simple saying, but sometimes we forget it; this event is meant to help us remember.”