Though the end of the Second World War in the European theatre marked its 70th anniversary on Friday, the impact of the conflict is still felt today—even in Cranbrook.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 24, government representatives, 1813 Cranbrook Cadets and other emergency services personnel were part of a ceremony at Rotary Park on Saturday morning to honour veterans who served in the Second World War and other global conflicts.
Beginning with a parade down 10th Ave, the flag-bearers and the pipe band, and the veterans, the group marched into Rotary Park to start the ceremony.
Pastor Dave Morton delivered a sermon and Hans Dekkers, a retired fighter pilot in the Dutch military, made a closing address. Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt, Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett and Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks also made a few remarks.
Music was provided by the Kimberley Community Band, the Kimberley Pipe Band and the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band.
Dave Ward, on trumpet played The Last Post and the Last Reveille, while Bud Abbot led the singing of O Canada and God Save the Queen.