The South Okanagan will be saluting the sacrifices of Canadian Second World War veterans this weekend.
The Penticton Naval Veterans Association will mark the Battle of the Atlantic with a memorial service at the Penticton Legion branch on Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
A film and refreshments will follow at the Legion branch on Martin Street in Penticton.
In Summerland, the local Royal Canadian Legion branch is honouring Summerland’s deceased veterans with a candle lighting ceremony on Sunday.
Every year on VE Day Sunday, members of the Summerland Legion place a ceremonial candle on the graves of the veterans in all four local cemeteries.
A formal colour guard ceremony will take place at Canyon View Cemetery at 1:30 p.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 422 candles are placed, half of those at Canyon View Cemetery.
“For the majority of 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 Summerland Legion past-president John Dorn.
Legion members and guests are invited to the Summerland branch at 2 p.m. for entertainment by Pam Ferens, followed by a turkey dinner. The tickets for the meal for veterans are free, but must be obtained in advance.