Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22 Summerland is honouring Summerland’s deceased veterans with a candle lighting ceremony on May 1.
Every year on VE Day Sunday, members of the Legion place a ceremonial candle on the graves of veterans in all four local cemeteries. A formal colour guard ceremony takes place at Canyon View Cemetary at 11 a.m., followed by the placing of candles. Volunteers also place candles at Peach Orchard, Giants Head Road and the Anglican Church grave sites. The candles burn overnight. A total of 428 candles are placed, half of those at Canyon View Cemetery.
“For the majority of Canadian Second World War veterans, VE Day is more significant than Remembrance Day, as they served in the European Theatre. VE Day marks the end of hostilities in Europe and their return journey home,” said Legion past-president John Dorn.
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway has organized a special VE Day 1:30 p.m. train ride for veterans and their caregivers, war brides and Legion members. Tickets must be picked up at the Legion in advance.
Legion members and guests are invited to the Branch at 3 p.m. for entertainment, followed by a turkey dinner at 5 p.m. The tickets for the meal for veterans are free, but also must be obtained in advance.