The Torch Light Parade

commemorating Vimy Ridge
By Liam D (with help from mom)

For the past three years I have attended the “Torch Light Parade” in Langford with my sister Haileigh who participates as a Guide with the 1st Colwood Guides. This year my friend Alex H, a Beaver with 14th Juan de Fuca scouting and myself a Cub of the same organization, joined my sister and our families on the march to Veteran’s Memorial Park on the chilly evening of April 1st, 2007.

The parade started at the Prince Edward branch of the Legion on Station Road and ended at Veteran’s Memorial Park for a ceremony that honours the veteran’s who sacrificed their lives during the battle at Vimy Ridge. After some speeches, singing and prayers the dignitaries, veterans, cadets, guides and a few scouting personnel were invited to place a candle on “Veteran’s Walk.” This part of the ceremony was significant as it felt like we were “carrying the torch” for the veteran’s who fought for Canada’s peace and freedom at Vimy Ridge. After the ceremony the parade marched back to the Legion for some warm refreshments and socializing.

My sister Haileigh and I planned our own symbol of recognition last fall when we were learning about the battles our military have fought. With the help of my mom we planted a “Peace Garden” in our yard. A Peace Garden is a special spot that we can visit or view anytime. During Veteran’s Week we planted bulbs so that we could view their beauty and be reminded of our Veteran’s. We planted red tulips for the red poppies that grew on the ruined fields of France and Belgium, white tulips for the peace dove, along with grape hyacinths for the colors on the United Nations flag which are blue and white. The bulbs bloomed for us during the week the celebrations of the 90th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge unfolded across our nation.

In our family, Remembrance Day isn’t one day of the year, it is more than that. We are proud to be Canadians and feel privileged to live in a country that is so beautiful and peaceful. This July we will again celebrate our freedom at a birthday party for Canada at Fort Rodd Hill. There are lots of activities for the whole family at this party. We generally take a picnic then watch the formal part of the party like the 21 gun salute, singing of the national anthem, bagpipes (which my parents love) and eat a piece of the huge birthday cake. So if you and your family are looking for a fun outing, join in on Canada’s birthday July 1st at Fort Rodd Hill as we continue to value our legacy.