The North Shore Candlelight Tribute is an annual event held in early September; look for the date and times on our event calendar page. The three North Shore Legions, Branch 60, 114, 118; ANAF Unit 45; the North Shore Cadet Corps; and the St. Johns Ambulance Cadets participate in this tribute. This is a community heritage event, honouring our local Veterans, Current Serving Members of the Canadian Forces and their families. Come and meet those who valiantly represented our Nation, putting themselves in harm’s way, to protect the dignity of human rights and values we so cherish living in Canada. Reflect upon our rich legacy of peace, freedom and respected international identity.
SYMBOLISM
Candlelight Tributes symbolize the “Passing of the Torch of Remembrance” from one generation to another.
SILENT TRIBUTE
Candlelight Tributes engage youth with Veterans in an Act of Remembrance. Youth are paired with Veterans as an integral aspect of the tribute. The Veteran passes a small red lit candle to the youth who then places it on a gravesite, cenotaph, memorial, or place of honour. Together they stand in a moment of silence reflecting upon the freedoms they enjoy because of the sacrifices of Canadians past and present. The candles burn overnight in silent glowing tribute to our brave servicemen and women.
AMBIANCE
Candlelight Tributes emote a poignant and memorable experience. A soft red glow emanates from the candles as they burn throughout the night, reminding us of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian Veterans, their families, and present day Serving Members.
BACKGROUND
- In 1995 the citizens of the Netherlands held a special ceremony to commemorate the liberation of their country by Canadian Forces in 1945, at the end of the Second World War.
- In this commemorative ceremony Dutch children placed lighted candles on the overseas graves to honour the fallen Canadian Soldiers.
- The candles remained lit overnight on the gravestones, in silent tribute to Canadians.
- Throughout the night people from many surrounding towns visited the cemeteries, drawn by the soft red glow of the candles burning in the sacred, picturesque settings.
- Commemorative Candlelight Tributes have now become an annual ceremony in The Netherlands and other European countries.
- In 1997 Veterans Affairs Canada Pacific Region introduced this ceremony in British Columbia to commemorate Victory in Europe Day and the return of world peace.
- The first Commemorative Candlelight Tribute in British Columbia was held in the Mountainview Cemetery in Vancouver. 500 children placed 500 lighted candles on the gravesites of Canadian Servicemen and Servicewomen.
- The involvement of children and parents with Veterans and Peacekeepers is very important, as it is not only a commemorative ceremony but also a learning experience. Children learn from involvement, and Candlelight Tributes afford that opportunity.
- The Mountainview Cemetery Candlelight Tribute was so successful that in the next year, over 31 communities planned Candlelight Tributes throughout British Columbia.
- Commemorative Candlelight Tributes can be planned at any time of the year, to commemorate whatever is important to any specific community.
