Cenotaph Move and Remembrance Day

On November 10th the Cenotaph project was completed.  Our club is very proud to be involved with a citizens group that initiated the project. The project was funded by Veterans Affairs Canada, Community Foundation of Whistler, American Friends of Whistler and the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.  We also salute 2015 Citizen of the Year Anne Townley who was the catalyst in getting the project going.. Additional information about the project may be found on the Whistler Olympic Plaza page. Scroll Down, way down, to see the information about the Cenotaph. 
 
Resort Municipality of Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm Morden and Anne Townley are shown unveiling the Cenotaph.
 
 
Progress was closely monitored as club members tracked the progress of the move in anticipation of the big event.

Cenotaph Dedication Ceremony - Nov 10

On Friday November 10th approximately 100 people were on hand for a Dedication Ceremony.  Following a welcome by the First Nations local dignitaries made presentations. 

Local veterans and others made some very personal  speeches about the impact of war on their families. President Ken represented Rotary and reflected on how his family was affected. This portion of the ceremony was very profound and very moving. We are very fortunate to have a video of President Ken's speech:

 

Remembrance Day - Nov 11

Then on Saturday November 11th there was a significantly larger crowd for the Remembrance Day ceremony at the new Cenotaph. Some say there were about a 1000 people present.  Certainly a validation of the decision for move the Cenotaph and the great weather didn't hurt.

As is the usual custom President placed a wreath on behalf of the Rotary Club of Whistler.  The ceremony was followed by hot chocolate, coffee and cookies presented by the Rotary Club of Whistler.  This time under the stage at the Whistler Olympic Plaza.

More Photos

Thanks!

Again huge Rotary thanks to Anne Townley for being the catalyst on this project.  We also recognize and thank President Ken and Past President Mary for their help and dedication in making the move happen.

Our refreshment committee: Marg Pallot and Gil Forester did a great job of arranging the cookies and refreshments following each event.  Thanks to them for a job well done.  Thanks to all who helped out.  We heard lots of great feedback about the new location of the Cenotaph and the refreshments.