The Village of Harrison Hot Springs hosts Commemorative Ceremony

The small British Columbia community of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs is partnering with the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch to host a commemorative event to mark the centenary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on Sunday April 9.

“For the village, for Mayor Facio, I think it was important [to commemorate] because it’s the 100th anniversary, to honour those soldiers who gave their life to fight within the Battle of Vimy Ridge, to honour that and respect it,” said Alanna Carmichael, Community Services Manager, Village of Harrison Hot Springs.

The ceremony will begin with a procession marching from Memorial Hall to the town’s Civic Plaza. The procession will include a colour party from the local Legion Branch 32, RCMP members, a local pipe band of the Harrison Highlanders, cadets and dignitaries.

Once the procession reaches Civic Plaza, an official ceremony will begin with the village’s Mayor Leo Facio’s opening address and singing of the national anthem. The ceremony will also include a speech by a local student on the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the playing of the Last Post and the Rouse by a community member whose grandfather served at Vimy Ridge, and the laying of a wreath.

“I hope your family will join mine as we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge,” said Mayor Facio.

The Village of Harrison Hot Springs’ Commemorative Ceremony will take place on Sunday April 9 with the procession beginning at 11:45 a.m. The official ceremony will begin at 12 p.m.

For more information visit the town’s website.