July 16: Red Roses Mark Remembrance in Ladner

The rainy day in Ladner could not dampen the resolve of the local organizing committee and those who braved the elements to gather near the cenotaph to pay honour and respect to the 157 fallen soldiers, sailors and aircrew on the Portraits of Honour Mural.

As local police escorted us in, Canadian flags flew high overhead from fire department ladder trucks, and a local performance band played for the crowd.

A short ceremony highlighted the sacrifices made by the brave young men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and a true feeling of gratitude was clear in all those present.

As the hauntingly beautiful strains of Sarah McLachlan”s “ I will remember you”, sung by local talent, filled the air, dignitaries, families and supporters walked two by two to the cenotaph to place a red rose with the name and photo of a fallen soldier at its base.

This stunning visual, a sea of vibrant red roses at the base of a time worn memorial to all those Canadians that have been lost in conflict, showed that the loss of life in conflict is not some far away history lesson, blood continues to be shed, and Canadian hearts continue to bleed for our fallen.