Sunday, November 12, 2017

Service of Remembrance

Jan and Betsie de Zeeuw in 2011 
In 2011 Jan and Betsie de Zeeuw joined Phil Johnson to lay a wreath at the two plaques in front of Whonnock Lake Centre remembering those who gave their lives in the First World War and following wars and conflicts. 
There used to be a little-known small ceremony at this location for years but  attendance dwindled. Alan Springman and Phil continued to observe the tradition together until Alan passed away in 2007. The above picture illustrated an article by Maria Rantanen in the Maple Ridge Times about this intimate event in 2011. The article revived the interest in a simple local remembrance ceremony, without politicians and fanfare. 
Jan and Betsie were there again on 11 November 2017 but by now the attendance has grown to almost two hundred – many parents with their young children. Phil Johnson organized the event for the Whonnock Community Association assisted by Tom Brent, who was again an outstanding master of ceremonies. 
Click here for some pictures of the ceremony.  

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